THE SIGNIFICANCE OF APOLOGY OF KEVIN RUDD TO THE STOLEN GENERATIONS

The Significance of Apology of Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations



The Significance of Apology of Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations

Thesis Statement

It was February 13th, 2008, when the then Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd declared a formal apology in lieu of the Government to the Stolen Generations. Apology of Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations is very significant as it has committed to contemplate on closing the gap between the aboriginal and other Australians.

Introduction

Kevin Rudd has put forward an open apology to all Aborigines and the Stolen Generations for their intense anguish, suffering and distress in a carefully delivered speech that was welcomed by a standing enthusiastic response and acclaim at the moment.

The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations of Australia in Federal Parliament on 13th February, 2008 was a significant moment in the history of Australian nation. Masses gathered throughout the country to mark the event with cheers, tears, and sentimental demonstrations of relief, contentment and anger in some cases. Public came from all over the country and even from abroad to attend the momentous apology to Australia's Indigenous people by the Prime Minister at Australia's Parliament House.

In Canberra, thousands of Aboriginal Australians gathered to observe the historic request for forgiveness, which was broadcasted across the nation and televised at exclusive outdoor settings in far-flung aboriginal communities. Several of those watching had personal suffering of the compelled removal of Aboriginal people. Young and elderly, indigenous and European; all people were watching the historic apology with their anticipations, hopes and beliefs on significance of this day and the effect of this confession upon the state in the future.

The ceremonial apology to the Stolen Generations and their families by the national parliament has made out the agony and torment the Stolen Generations have encountered and provided them considerable relief. The occasion presented acknowledgement to, and value the experiences of Stolen Generations and proffered wish and an assurance of upcoming regeneration for Torres Strait Islanders and all Aboriginal people in Australia. Pocock Julian, 2008, pp. 1)

Discussion

Stolen Generations

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who were taken away, by force, as children, by Australian Federal and State government agencies, welfare or church authorities from their communities and families and put into institutional care or foster families of non-Indigenous community took care of them are referred as Stolen Generations. In 1981, this term was first coined by historian Peter Read. The compelled removal of children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children occurred from around the mid 1800s and till 1970, the practice has been continued. (Read Peter, 1981)

The amount of the children's removal, and the rationale behind the removal, are disputed. Newspaper articles and other documentary evidences like parliamentary committees' reports imply diverse rationales. The intended laws and policies for the incorporation of Torres Strait Islander community and Aboriginal people in to a broader community became a cause of numerous of these ...