The Stolen Generation needs To be Recognised by Australian Society

Hypothesis: We cannot say sorry for the stolen generation, but the damage that it has caused to the indigenous society must be recognized.

Reconciliation, apologies and the stolen generation, all these words are past reminders of the serious wrongs that have been committed. Good morning/afternoon, today I will explore these wrongs and show how they should be solved.

The term stolen generation is the name given to aboriginals, usually those with non-indigenous ancestry, who were removed from their families as children and sent to institutions or adopted into non-indigenous families. Although we essentially know what the stolen generation is, do we seriously recognise the full extent of the cultural and social damage that these separations caused amongst indigenous Australians? We cannot say sorry for the stolen generation, but the damage that it has caused to the indigenous society must be recognized. This recognition is an important factor in the strengthening of indigenous and non-indigenous relations.

A 19th century engraving showing Australian "nativ...

Playing the traditional aboriginal musical instrum...

INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL DANCERS

This removal of aboriginal children began in the early 20th century and went on in to the early 1970's. In most cases the government used undue pressure to remove these children from their mother and communities. This often caused stress and pressure within the community and sometimes even led to fighting. In certain instances the mother would be persuaded to sign a document of which she had little understanding and no concept that she was allowing her child to be separated from her. This unfair act used the mothers little knowledge of English text and legal documents to legalise the taking of her child. A true legal document must be understood before it can be signed and passed.

One in every 3 aboriginal children was taken between 1920 and 1950. There were approximately 45000 children taken in total. Very few coped with this...