National Sorry Day Project Photograph by Star Observer National Sorry Day Project Presented By: Karen, Ghida & Gabrielle.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Darug people - the traditional custodians of this land. I would also like to pay my respects to the elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to other indigenous guests present.

Tracey Moffatt (1997), “up in the sky 1”, from the series. The Stolen Generation Since 1905, Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families as a result of various government policies. The generations of children removed under these policies became known as the “stolen generations.” Many were sent to white foster families or institutions under the ideology of assimilation, where abuse and neglect often took place. “Aboriginal Grannies call for the return of their ‘stolen’ grandchildren” Photo: Cory Wright, Source: Courty, A 2014. Tracey Moffatt (1997), “up in the sky 1”, from the series.

Consequences of the Stolen Generation Assimilation process & forcing aboriginal children into white communities resulted in: Lost connections to Indigenous culture, family ties, traditional land and language. Intergenerational impact of trauma and grief. Social and health inequality due to discrimination resulting from government policies. Ayers Rock, retrieved from Emmakellydooz.wordpress.com

National sorry day, May 26th Aboriginal Art by Wall Art Prints A day to acknowledge the historical treatment of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people. The idea of a “sorry day” was mentioned as a recommendation in the Bringing Them Home Report. This report was the result of a 2 year National Inquiry into the Stolen Generations, shedding light on the history and impact of policies. May 26th was chosen to commemorate the Report being handed to the Federal Government on May 26th, 1997. The first “sorry day” was held in Sydney in 1998 and is now an annual event.

Political Agenda The Bringing Them Home Report gave momentum for an official government apology. “I have never been willing to embrace a formal national apology, because I do not believe the current generation can accept responsibility for the deeds of earlier generations” – John Howard, PM in 2007. On February 13th, 2008, Kevin Rudd PM gave a formal apology to the Stolen Generations. Even after the reconciliation, aboriginal people are still waiting for their right to self determination. Image 1: Kevin Rudd’s 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations. Image 2: Apology to the Stolen Generation at Parliament House. Reg Edwards raises his fists in triumph at Rudd's speech. Photo: Justin Mcmanus.

Responses to Rudd’s Apology “An apology will mean that people believe us, that this has happened and that we are not liars” – Cahill McCarthy, member of the Stolen Generations. Concept of being acknowledged and having your story heard and validated, reminds us of ‘’witnessing process’’ in narrative therapy. ‘’Sorry Day and Week of Prayer for Reconciliation” Image Courtesy of: Sydney Catholic Schools. “Lighting the Sails: Songlines”, from the Vivid Lights Festival in Sydney.

National sorry day vigil 2016 Jacinta Tobin and Bob Leslie, lighting candles at the Village Green, Panel guests including Council members and Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown. Photo By: Jean Salmi, Blacktown City Council. Blacktown. Photo By: Jean Salmi, Blacktown City Council.