A day of reflection and respect for Stolen Generations with annual Apology Day Community Event
HUNDREDS of people will gather in Veale Gardens on Monday, February 13, to reflect on years of pain and suffering felt by the Stolen Generations.
IN 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stood before thousands of people to issue a national apology to the Stolen Generations.
Since then, an annual Apology Day event has been held for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were removed from their families by federal and state government agencies.
This year’s community day — held on Monday, February 13, in Veale Gardens — aims to honour and acknowledge the Stolen Generations while raising awareness to the wider public.
Relationships Australia SA regional manager Grant Pearson, who is involved in the event, says it is not only about healing members of the Stolen Generations, but acknowledging their ongoing pain and suffering.
“It provides an opportunity to heal, reflect and enhance their social and emotional wellbeing,” Mr Pearson says.
“It also raises awareness among the wider community of how people were separated from their families, their communities, their culture and their spiritual beliefs, and how this impacted the wellbeing of, not only those who were taken, but their children, grandchildren and now their great grandchildren.”
More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, where there will be a ceremony, barbecue, traditional Aboriginal music, art and storytelling.
Organisations will also offer pamper sessions for members of the Stolen Generations and Ngangkari (traditional healers) will travel from the APY Lands in rural SA to offer their support.
“It’s about bringing the community together, continuing the healing process and reminding the public that while the apology was fantastic, people still go home with the damage so we need to continue this sort of work every day,” Mr Pearson says.
“We want people to notice the damage that not only happened in the past, but what continues to happen today.”
A 9th Anniversary of the Apology Breakfast will also be held from 6.45am at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Annual Apology Day Community Event, Veale Gardens, South Tce, city, Monday, February 13, 10am-2pm. Free entry. Details: reconciliationsa.org.au