Today marks the 17th anniversary of former prime minister, Kevin Rudd's apology speech. This was a historic moment in Australia's history, marking the first formal acknowledgment of the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations. The Stolen Generations refers to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families by the Australian federal and state government agencies and church missions under the acts of their respective parliaments. 

Rudd's apology was significant because it represented an official recognition of the pain and suffering caused by these policies and was a crucial step towards the healing of Indigenous Australia and an urge to reconcile Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The apology was important not only for offering a formal expression of regret and responsibility but also for starting a national conversation about the need for healing, justice, and equality. It was a commitment to address the historical wrongs of the Australian government and helped to start paving the way for improved relations and policy changes aimed at closing the gap in health, education, and economic opportunities that continues to exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Many Indigenous people are still feeling the effects of the stolen generation through intergenerational trauma. This has led to many issues for the health and wellbeing of so many of our people, but we as a people have shown our resilience and strength as we continue to fight against these injustices. This speech was such a crucial step in healing but we are still so far from reaching equality for the whole of Australia. 

Our students and staff gathered in the Hub to view this historic footage and be moved by its profound significance for our First Nations people and the whole Australian community.

Miss Samantha Ellis
Aboriginal Education Officer