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The consequences of the Stolen Generations were profound and devastating, leading to the loss of cultural identity, connection to family and community, and intergenerational trauma. Many Stolen Generations survivors experienced abuse, neglect, and mistreatment in institutions where they were placed. The forced removal also resulted in a disconnection from traditional cultural practices, languages, and knowledge systems, further exacerbating the loss of identity and belonging.
The Stolen Generations have had enduring impacts on Indigenous communities and continue to affect generations of Indigenous Australians today. The Australian government officially acknowledged and apologized for the policies of forced removal in 2008, but the process of reconciliation and healing remains ongoing. Efforts to address the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations include support services for survivors, initiatives to preserve and revitalize Indigenous cultures and languages, and advocacy for Indigenous rights and self-determination.
Outline what happened during the Stolen Generations? When? Numbers taken? Why?
2. What is the value and limitations of survivor testimonies as a source to learn about historical issues?
3. What facts did you learn about Stolen Generations from this Survivor testimony?
SUMMARISE> The Stolen Generations policy had profound and far-reaching impacts on Indigenous Australians, affecting individuals, families, communities, and the broader society in numerous ways:
Inter-generational Trauma: The forced removal of children from their families resulted in severe trauma for both the children and their families. This trauma has been passed down through generations, contributing to ongoing social and emotional challenges within Indigenous communities.
Loss of Identity and Culture: Many Stolen Generations survivors were stripped of their cultural identity, language, and connection to their Indigenous heritage. This loss has had enduring impacts on individuals and communities, leading to a sense of dislocation, alienation, and a struggle to reclaim cultural identity.
Disruption of Family and Community Structures: The removal of children from their families fractured family and community structures. Many children were deprived of the love, care, and guidance of their parents and extended family members, leading to feelings of abandonment and loss.
Educational and Social Disadvantage: Stolen Generations survivors often faced significant educational and social disadvantages as a result of their traumatic experiences and disrupted upbringing. Many struggled to access quality education, employment opportunities, and social support networks.
Health and Wellbeing: The trauma of forced removal and separation from family and culture has had adverse effects on the mental, emotional, and physical health of Stolen Generations survivors. This includes higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions compared to the general population.
Loss of Land and Connection to Country: For many Indigenous Australians, connection to land and country is integral to their cultural identity and spiritual wellbeing. The forced removal of children often resulted in a loss of connection to traditional lands and cultural practices, further exacerbating the loss of cultural identity.
Reconciliation and Healing: The Stolen Generations continue to be a significant barrier to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Acknowledgment, apology, and reparations are seen as crucial steps towards healing the wounds of the past and building a more just and equitable society.
The impacts of the Stolen Generations policy are profound and complex, continuing to affect Indigenous Australians and Australian society as a whole. Efforts to address these impacts include support services for survivors, initiatives to preserve and revitalize Indigenous cultures, and advocacy for Indigenous rights and self-determination.
4. Watch the documentary on Bringing them Home report.
5. Conduct research that outlines the The Bringing them Home program and challenges that had to be faced to achieve this.
The "Bringing Them Home" report is the common name for the report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families. This report was released in 1997 by the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (now known as the Australian Human Rights Commission).
The report was the result of a comprehensive inquiry into the forcible removal of Indigenous Australian children from their families by government authorities and welfare agencies from approximately the late 1800s to the 1970s. These removal policies, often referred to as the "Stolen Generations," had devastating and intergenerational impacts on Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
The "Bringing Them Home" report documented the experiences of Indigenous individuals who were forcibly removed from their families and examined the policies and practices that led to these removals. It detailed the trauma, loss, and cultural disconnection experienced by those affected and highlighted the ongoing effects on Indigenous peoples' social, emotional, and economic well-being.
The report made a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the legacy of the Stolen Generations, promoting healing and reconciliation, and preventing similar injustices from occurring in the future. It played a crucial role in raising awareness about this dark chapter in Australia's history and in advocating for measures to address its ongoing impacts on Indigenous Australians.
6. What were the outcomes from the Bringing Them Home Report?
The "Bringing Them Home" report had several significant outcomes, both immediate and long-term, which contributed to shaping public discourse, policy, and actions regarding the historical injustices experienced by Indigenous Australians, particularly those affected by the Stolen Generations. Some of the key outcomes include:
Recognition of Historical Injustices: The report brought widespread attention to the historical injustices perpetrated against Indigenous Australians through the forced removal of children from their families. It provided a comprehensive account of these practices, validating the experiences of those affected and acknowledging the trauma and intergenerational impacts.
National Apology: One of the most notable outcomes of the report was the formal apology issued by the Australian government. On February 13, 2008, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a formal apology to the Indigenous peoples affected by the Stolen Generations, expressing deep regret and acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by past government policies.
Reparations and Compensation: The report contributed to calls for reparations and compensation for those affected by the Stolen Generations. While compensation schemes have been established in some Australian states and territories, efforts to provide redress and support to survivors and their descendants remain ongoing.
Healing and Reconciliation Initiatives: The report emphasized the importance of healing and reconciliation efforts to address the ongoing trauma and social impacts of the Stolen Generations. It prompted the development of various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting healing, restoring cultural connections, and strengthening Indigenous communities.
Policy Reforms: The report's recommendations led to policy reforms aimed at preventing similar injustices from occurring in the future and addressing the systemic issues underlying the removal policies. These reforms have included changes to child welfare practices, increased support for Indigenous communities, and efforts to empower Indigenous peoples in decision-making processes.
Increased Awareness and Education: The report contributed to increased awareness and education about the history and legacies of the Stolen Generations among the broader Australian public. It has been used as a resource in schools, universities, and community organizations to educate future generations about this aspect of Australia's history.
The "Bringing Them Home" report had a profound impact on Australian society, catalyzing important conversations, actions, and initiatives aimed at acknowledging past wrongs, promoting reconciliation, and advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous Australian
More resources.
ATNS http://www.atns.net.au/agreement.asp?EntityID+762)
Bringing Them Home, Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, YouTube video – https://bth.humanrights.gov.au/media/videoHealing Foundation – http://healingfoundation.org.au
Human Rights – https://bth.humanrights.gov.au
Update on Bringing Them Home Report...
In 2017, ‘Bringing Them Home 20 years on: an action plan for healing’ review was put forward. It contained the following action recommendations:
Action one – comprehensive response for Stolen Generations: Ensuring the holistic needs of the Stolen Generations are met, including dedicated needs-based funding and a universal, culturally safe and trauma-informed financial redress scheme.
Action two – healing intergenerational trauma: Addressing the serious, widespread, and worsening effects of unresolved intergenerational trauma arising from the processes of colonisation and from the forcible removal of children, as the driver of many health, social and wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including the Stolen Generations, their families and descendants.
Action three – creating an environment for change: Creating a policy response to the rights and needs of Stolen Generations members and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is based on the principles underlying Bringing Them Home as a basis for reconciliation in Australia.
Let's write> Critical creative thinking>
7. Outline the problems being addressed in the Bringing Them Home Report recommendations.
8. Research> Assess the success of this program by examining Closing the Gap data.
9. Explain the ongoing issues that still continue from the Stolen Generations.
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