Addressing a packed House of Representatives this morning, Mr Rudd said the Parliament apologised for laws and policies which had "inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians."
"For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," he said.
"To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry".
"And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry."
As a mother, and an Australian, I feel very proud of my country today. We finally had the grace to take this hughely significant step. Onwards and upwards!
2 comments:
Hey Heike
Thank you for marking this important day in Australian history on you blog.
I too felt very proud yesterday, and was riveted to the coverage (probably the only time I've been happy about Molly falling asleep in the car when we are supposed to be somewhere, forcing me to cool my heels by the roadside for an hour - thanks ABC 702!).
My mum, who arrived here from Germany on her 20th birthday, and her friend, who is from "good convict stock", got in the car at 4:30 am yesterday and drove to Canberra to be at Federation Square. Even managed to get their faces on TV!
A truly great day.
Susan
Federal Parliament's apology to our indigenous people was one of the best days of my life. I can't remember ever feeling proud of Australia before. Now let's ensure our generosity of spirit spills over to all who need a little more support in Australia.
Post a Comment