The Stolen and Venerable

Dear Prime Minister,           

            

            The first aboriginal people came to Australia about 70,000 years ago. The aboriginal people settled and developed into a great culture separated into family groups or clans. They sued land and all of its resources wisely, trading and building. These people were completely isolated until 1788 when the English settlers arrived. The English made the aboriginal people move away from their land, they cut down their forest, introduced harsh diseases like smallpox, and brought foreign animals like sheep. The aboriginal people and the settlers were at war for rights of land and valuable resources. In 1900 traditional clans were still existent in central and northern Australia. There were laws in place to protect the aboriginal people in 1900s, but these laws also brought forth many restrictions to the aboriginal people like whom they could marry, and where and how much land could be owned. Not until 1967 was full rights of citizenship was bestowed on the aboriginal people.

            

            The stolen generation is estimated to be composed of about 100,000 Indigenous children that were taken from their families and raised in homes by white families. This was done to ‘breed out’ the aboriginal part of these children. This was an official government policy that was taken out by churches, and even welfare officials, from 1906 to 1969. This forceful cruelty harshly affected those children who were believed by many to be living better lives. Latter reports found that many institutions and families that the kidnapped children where placed into were cruel and highly abusive. Many were treated like animals that were used and worked as practical slaves. This was highly traumatic to the children because it “broke cultural, spiritual and family ties”. Being taken from there home as a child, highly susceptible and most venerable has an irreversible effect, one that could never be forgotten and ones whose scar will always sting bringing forth new nightmare. But, Prime Minister you already know their history, but do you understand the enormous impact?

            Citizens of the Stolen Generations are more prone to go through depression, poor health and a shorter life than others of their people. Many Aboriginal people that were taken did not find out about their background until later in their life. Disengagement from land and language meant loss of culture, for many there was concern for who they are and to what they belonged to. Many Australians now realize what cruelty these people were placed under and cry for justice, can you not hear them?

             An official apology needs to be made because without any acknowledgment and true regret for the past there can be no progression for the future. Its common curtsy and a sign of true respect to say out loud without regret “I’m sorry.” If you truly recognize the aboriginal people as your equal then please express it with the utmost of heart and moral reverence and apologize for the cruelty these people had to endure.

Thank you for your time,

Yours sincerely, Jane Doe