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Dean of Identity | Mr Charles Brauer
“Our Generation”
“We give thanks to those who have gone before us. Those who have endured suffering in order for us to be more aware of the opportunities of our generation.” These were the words of proud Aboriginal man Marlon Riley, who addressed the young people of Brisbane Catholic schools gathered at St Rita’s College in recognition of the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation. Attending the gathering were ten of our Aboriginal Terracians, alongside a non-Indigenous mate, who listened to and reflected on the stories of the Elders who have been directly affected by the forced removal of family members from their homes and land.
Keogh Lewis of Year 11 was one of our Aboriginal Terracians at yesterday’s gathering. He would like to share the following message with you:
The National Apology to the Stolen Generation is a defining moment in Australia’s history. On 13 February 2008, Prime Minster Kevin Rudd delivered an apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. Our Aboriginal Terracians, alongside a non-Indigenous mate, travelled to St Rita’s to join with other schools to commemorate the apology to the Stolen Generations and all they had to endure for the benefit of today’s Aboriginal population.
At the gathering at St Rita’s College we took part in activities and listened to the stories of Aboriginal Elders who experienced first-hand what it was like to be forcefully taken from their families. The Stolen Generation had such a significant and long-lasting effect on Indigenous people to the extent that families today are being reunited with relatives separated decades ago. To listen and learn about the hardships the people of the Stolen Generations had to endure, raised a great deal of awareness and compassion for those who were taken and put in institutions.
Kevin Rudd’s speech to parliament in 2008 brought about much relief for those affected by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our sincere thanks to the Elders who have remained strong despite suffering the misguided policies of our past governments. Without their courage and hope for a better future, many young Indigenous Australians would not receive the equal rights and successive opportunities available to our generation.