National Sorry Day Statement
In recognition of National Sorry Day on 26 May, HREOC has developed education material for teachers linking Rabbit-Proof Fence to the landmark Bringing them home report.
The Commission encourages teachers to refer to the material and dedicate class time during reconciliation week (27 May to 3 June), and coming weeks, to discussing the history of the Stolen Generations. The screening of Rabbit-Proof Fence in 2002 has renewed community interest in the Stolen Generations. It is vital that this interest be properly directed to the Report, highlighting the systematic nature of removals.
A more comprehensive education package on the Stolen Generations, and associated indigenous social justice issues, will be released by the Commission later in 2002.
Education materials
on the Stolen Generations and Rabbit-Proof Fence can be accessed
from:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/education/modules.html
Other information
on Bringing them home can be found at:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/stolen_children/index.html
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Mabo decision, and fifth anniversary of the release of Bringing them home. Educating young Australians on these histories, and inspiring in them a commitment to reconciliation, is a task for us all to focus attention on.
These anniversaries - which also coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody - were remarked upon by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Dr William Jonas in his 2001 Social Justice Report, released on 14 May.
"I have found cause to express serious concerns about the nation's progress in achieving the exercise of indigenous rights, particularly in regard to the lack of national leadership and commitment shown by the federal government," he wrote. "Indigenous affairs seem to have become a series of anniversaries - operating as an annual reminder of the unfulfilled promises and commitments of governments."
Dr Jonas congratulates the National Sorry Day Committee which has organised or helped to generate activities to commemorate Sorry Day across the country, when Aboriginal communities will remember the children who were removed. Dr Jonas calls on Australians to support these activities and to aim for true reconciliation.
Media contacts:
Janine MacDonald 02 9284 9880
Darren Smith 02 9284 9677
