Sorry Day 2008 – May 26
National Sorry Day 08
Sorry Day takes on a whole new significance in 2008. The work of healing this nation has taken a leap forward, but it is far from over. The day is full of mixed emotions. To start with, it is an opportunity for a celebration of the Apology delivered by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, on 13th February when he finally uttered the words that many had been waiting for:
“To the stolen generations, … I offer you this apology without qualification. We apologise for the hurt, the pain and suffering that we, the parliament, have caused you by the laws that previous parliaments have enacted. We apologise for the indignity, the degredation and the humiliation these laws embodied.”
However it is also a time when many whose families were affected by the removal of children will remember those who did not live to share in this momentous occasion. This acknowledgement of what happened also provides an opportunity for those affected, to at last come to terms with what has happened and what was previously denied.
Tom Calma the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner also highlighted the fact that the Apology is only just the beginning when he responded to the Prime Minister’s Speech.
“This is not about black armbands and guilt. It never was. It is about belonging. … That devastation cannot be addressed unless the whole community listens with an open heart and mind to the stories of what has happened in the past and, having listened and understood, commits itself to reconciliation. … For today is not just about the Stolen Generations – it is about every Australian.”
Tom Calma also pointed to the need to address unfinished business, particularly the many recommendations from the Bringing Them Home Report that have never been implemented.
“And to all Parliamentarians, I say – let today be a new beginning, not an end point. … The Stolen Generations have needs that have yet to be met, mainly due to under-funding of Link Ups and other support organisations. … To the Premiers and state and territory government representatives here today, we urge you to join the partnership to address the unfinished business.”
Monday 26 May, 12PM-3PM @ Wellington Square – East Perth
The Bringing Them Home Committee in Western Australia is holding an event on teh 26th May from 12-3pm in Wellington Square in East Perth to commemorate this day.
This honours recommendation 7a of the Bringing Them Home report which proposes an annual celebration to commemorate the history of forcible removal and its effects.
It will be a time to celebrate, a time to honour the memory of those who have passes away and a time to share the grief of those who still feel the hurt inflicted by past government policies every day of their lives, but perhaps above all, it is a time for all of us to commit to working together to ensure proper reconciliation in this country.
Please join us on this special day
The text for this post was taken from the Sorry Day Blurb accompanying the Sorry Day Flier, available above.
