National Sorry Day

Today we commemorate the Stolen Generations on National Sorry Day.
 
On this day we remember the Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities as a result of past government policies of assimilation.
 
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the NSW Government has previously made a 10-year commitment to provide reparations for the Stolen Generations.
 
“Today is a day to recognise the grief, suffering and loss endured by the Stolen Generations and the ripple effects still felt today,” Mr Harwin said.
 
“The state government will provide direct resources to Stolen Generation Organisations to support survivor-led collective healing for survivors and their descendants.”
 
The NSW Government has already committed $3 million in new funding to preserve sites of the former Aboriginal children’s homes in Kinchela, Bomaderry, Cootamundra and Parramatta. The former homes are sites of truth telling and education.
 
“It is a privilege to work with the Stolen Generations Advisory Committee.  I especially want to acknowledge the courage, determination and strength of Stolen Generations survivors. It is their leadership inspiring change to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma,” Mr Harwin said.
 
“These sites hold memories of unimaginable childhood trauma, heartbreaking loss and terrible abuse suffered by many Stolen Generations survivors. By working with survivors to preserve the memories of these sites we will ensure the legacy of this history is never forgotten.”
 
For further information click here.