Saying Sorry

The Aboriginal people were isolated from the world until 1788, when the English arrived.  When the British arrived there were about 300,000 Aboriginals in Australia and there was about 250 languages spoken.  Since the Aboriginal people did not have a government, the British quickly took over.  The British brought disease and foreign animals overseas with them.  Many of the Aboriginal people became sick with diseases like small pox and measles, and the foreign animals destroyed their land.  Aboriginal people were forced to move elsewhere. 

Although there were laws passed in every state to protect the Aboriginals, they were still given restrictions.  There were restrictions for owning land, where they could live, and who they could marry.  This is very unjust because it was originally the Aborigine's land and then the British came and took it for themselves. 

The stolen generation was a government policy in which 1 in 10 of all Aboriginal children were taken from their families in an effort to "civilize" them by placing them in white society.  The government expected that over time they would lose their heritage.  The stolen generation lasted from 1910 to 1971.

Being part of the stolen generation can greatly impact your life.  Many of the children who were part of the stolen generation were physically and sexually abused.  Because of their terrible childhoods, many people of the stolen generation turned to alcohol and violence. These hardships throughout their lives often resulted in early death.  Families who had children taken away from them suffered as well because the policy broke spiritual, cultural and family ties. 

Many of the people who were involved in the stolen generation and are still alive today suffer greatly.  They suffer from post traumatic stress, depression and anxiety because of their experiences.  Those who visited their birthplace can feel cultural alienation.  Many who have their own children don't know how to parent in either the conventional Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal way and some have their children taken away by welfare agencies. On May 26th, every year, the people in Australia celebrate Sorry Day- the day when Australia made an official national apology of the Aboriginal people.

An official apology needed to be made because the Aboriginal people suffered because of the white Australians.  They tried to get rid of the culture by taking their children and hoping their heritage would eventually vanish.  This event was very traumatic and it will continue to impact the lives of those involved.  Australia owes the Aboriginal people an apology for all the harm they have caused.