Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations Wednesday February 13th 2009

On 13 February 2008, Australians everywhere stopped to hear Prime Minister Kevin Rudd deliver the national apology to the Stolen Generations.
The apology provided the foundation for us to heal together and provide justice to the Stolen Generations. It is also helping to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and make reconciliation a reality for the benefit of us all.

In workplaces, schools, public spaces and homes, we stood together and shared this memorable moment in our nation’s history.

Reconciliation Australia has coordinated some resources to assist you in commemorating the anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations:  http://www.reconciliation.org.au/i-cms.isp?page=827

·         Attend an event in your state or territory!      

·         Organise a breakfast with your friends, family, community group or colleagues!      

·         Download resources on the national apology to the Stolen Generations

·         Download resources on the apology to the Stolen Generations

·         Conversation starters, Q&As, and access to DVDs and posters are all available through this section of the website.

·         Further resources are also available from the National Sorry Day Committee and the Stolen Generations Alliance.

·         Order a copy of The Apology, a documentary developed by Reconciliation Australia and Indigenous Film Services.

·         Order a poster commemorating the apology to the Stolen Generations with the wording of the motion spoken by the Prime Minister.

·         A list of events you can attend in your state and territory.

·         A simple fact sheet answering common questions about the Stolen Generations and the apology.

·         Watch The Apology documentary on ABC in the week leading up to the anniversary. We've got the times and dates here.

·         A collection of quotes about the impact of the apology from members of the Stolen Generations and other Australians.

·         Ideas on what you can do as an organisation or individual to build on the apology and help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

·         An online database for you to register your breakfast.

·         Find out more about the Bringing Them Home Report at the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

·         A fact sheet on the National Apology Manuscript developed by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

·         Download the Sorry Song, by singer songwriter Kerry Fletcher to use at your event. Sorry Song that can be downloaded http://www.sgalliance.org.au/ssng.htm

What can you do?

In your workplace, school and community group or as an individual, there are many things you can do that help close the gap. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

·         Start to learn about Indigenous history, people and culture through our cultural awareness website at www.shareourpride.org.au

·         Take part in events or organise your own during National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June

·         Read the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) toolkit and think about developing a RAP in your workplace, school or community group

·         Sign up as a friend of Reconciliation Australia through Facebook or MySpace to keep in touch with news and developments

·         Take the opportunity to read books and see moves that explore Indigenous history and culture, and the relationship between us as fellow Australians. Check out Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performances and displays at cultural festivals.

·         Watch The Apology documentary on TV. The Apology documentary, developed by Indigenous Film Services and Reconciliation Australia will be screened on TV in the lead up to the first anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations. Watch it it with your friends, family or colleagues. It's a wonderful reminder of the 13 February 2008.

o   Sunday 8 February 2009, 1.30pm on ABC1

o   Monday 9 February 2009, 5.00pm on ABC2

o   Friday 13 February 2009, 6.00pm on ABC1

·         Behind the News (BTN) will come back early this year to screen a special program on the first anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations. This special edition will screen at Friday 13 February 2009, 11.35am on ABC1

·         NITV is screening a special edition Hypothetical with Geoffrey Robertson on Closing The Gap. This will screen at Friday 13 February 2009, 8.00pm on NITV on Foxtel