Between 1911 and 1970, more than 100,000 aboriginal children were taken away by force or under duress to their families by the police or social workers.
Until 1936, the Australian colonial policy was to segregate the Aborigines in the settlements, or more properly "internment camps" in which they were constantly monitored by the government in all their daily activities. According to the evolutionary paradigm that dominated at the time, the indigenous population was considered endangered, as unable to adapt to the most advanced civilizations, colonial and was therefore "protected" in this way. Since foundation of the first colonies, both the government and the missionaries were aimed at removing indigenous children from their families to use them as labor. Macquire Governor in 1814 founded the first school for Aboriginal children: initially attracted the attention of indigenous communities, but soon aroused negative reactions when it was clear that his intent was to separate children from their families.
Since 1937 he passed instead to a policy of "assimilation." Contrary to what was expected, the aborigines were not yet extinct, and although the number of thoroughbred same declining, the mixed descent population was growing. The fact that these people were a part of European blood meant that there might be room for them in a non-indigenous, and this integration was possible through education that would make them forget their language, culture and traditions. Not to mention the fact that, by transforming the mixed population in the labor force, this would not only become self-sufficient, but would have satisfied the demand for low manpower of the Australian economy.
government officials theorized that forcibly removing indigenous children from their families by sending them away from their communities to work for whites, the population of offspring Mixed would be merged with non-Indigenous population. The fact that Aboriginal people do not identify with European culture, of course, was not taken into account.
All children who were taken away from their families to finish missions, institutions or work as domestic servants are part of the so-called "stolen generations".
Only in 1972, with the new Labour Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, the colonial policy changed direction and was recognized aboriginal right to be consulted on government decisions about their welfare, health, economic and social development. Until 1963, when won the right to vote, they were not citizens, but "individuals in the custody of the state." Despite these changes, the socio-political and economic dependence of the indigenous people remained, although in other forms.
In 1995 the government commissioned an investigation which was to trace the history and the laws that led to removal of children from families, through the testimonies of victims and government representatives and church involved. It ended with the report titled "Bringing Them Home. National Survey on the separation of Aboriginal children and Torres Strait by their families. "Delle fifty-four The investigation concluded that recommendations presented to government in 1997, only some have been implemented and the request to extend an official apology to the indigenous community has so far been rejected by the conservative government of Howard did not want to take any responsibility for the laws passed, fearing that the apology should have been necessary to follow a "pay economy."
This morning, February 13, 2008, the new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, as promised in its political program, formally apologized on behalf of the entire nation for the pain and suffering inflicted on the stolen generations.
I really liked Rudd. His words and the way in which they were delivered I even managed to move me. I can not say the same of those of the opposition leader, Brendan Nelson, who as stuffed sad testimony of the victim, are played cold and empty. Not to mention a few rides in bad taste ... however it is already so much that the opposition has decided to apologize ...!
Let the healing begin ...
PS You can find the first part of Rudd's speech here.
