Assimilation Policy

The Assimilation Policy in Australia was a government approach that aimed to absorb Indigenous Australians into mainstream European-Australian society. This policy was prominent during the 20th century, particularly from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Assimilation policies were based on the belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior and that Indigenous peoples would be better off adopting European customs, languages, and lifestyles.

THE POLICY OF ASSIMILATION (a) MEANING OF POLICY The policy of assimilation means in the view of all Australian governments that all Aborigines and mixed-aborigines were expected eventually to attain the same manner of living as other Australians and to live as members of a single Australian community enjoying the same rights and privileges, accepting the same responsibilities, observing the same customs and influenced by the same beliefs, hopes and loyalties as white Australians. Thus, any special measures taken for Aborigines and mixed race Aborigines are regarded as temporary measures not based on colour but intended to meet their need for special care and assistance to protect them from any ill effects of sudden change and to assist them to make the transition from one stage to another in such a way that was believed, to be favourable for their future social, economic and political advancement at the expense of losing their own cultural practices and Indigenous identity.  

Key features of the assimilation policy included:

1. Forced Removal of Children: One of the most notorious aspects of assimilation policy was the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations. These children were placed in institutions, missions, or with non-Indigenous foster families, with the goal of eradicating their Indigenous identity and culture and assimilating them into European-Australian society.

2. Education: Indigenous children were often forced to attend government-run schools or church-run missions, where they were taught European languages, customs, and religions. Indigenous languages and cultural practices were discouraged or prohibited in these institutions.

3. Land Policies: Assimilation policies often involved the dispossession of Indigenous lands and the forced relocation of Indigenous communities to reserves or missions. Indigenous peoples were denied control over their traditional lands and resources, further undermining their cultural identity and economic autonomy.

4. Social Control: Indigenous peoples living on reserves or missions were subjected to strict government regulations governing their lives, including restrictions on movement, employment, marriage, and access to basic services such as healthcare and housing.

5. Discriminatory Laws and Policies: Assimilation policies were reinforced by discriminatory laws and policies that marginalized Indigenous Australians and denied them basic rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote, own land, or receive equal wages.

The Assimilation policy had devastating consequences for Indigenous Australians, including the loss of cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and socioeconomic disadvantage. While the policy was officially abandoned in the latter half of the 20th century, its legacy continues to impact Indigenous communities in Australia today. Efforts at Reconciliation, Apology, and empowerment have been made, but addressing the ongoing effects of Assimilation remains a significant challenge.

https://www.abc.net.au/education/teach-aboriginal-history-and-truths-in-the-classroom/13597118 

https://www.clickview.net/au/videos/3713064/australia-s-assimilation-policies 

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