17th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations
Today marks the 17th Anniversary of the 2008 National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
For over 60 years, government policy led to the forcible removal of 1 in 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children from their families to be raised in institutions, fostered or adopted by non-Indigenous families, both nationally and internationally. This year marks 30 years since the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission opened the National Inquiry into the Stolen Generations.
In 2023, the last group of Stolen Generations survivors reached the age of 50 years. We take a moment to acknowledge the lifelong trauma experienced by them and the lasting generational effects passed onto children and grandchildren.
AAG will continue to advocate for nationwide commitment to healing for all those continually affected and the ongoing need for informed ageing policy and practice that supports safe and culturally appropriate services for people of the Stolen Generations.
In particular, we acknowledge the incredible work of the Healing Foundation, with whom AAG has been privileged to collaborate with over the years. You can find out more, including information on the impacts of intergenerational trauma, on their website.