Year 12s hear from First Nations Elder on Anniversary of the National Apology

Today, 13 February, marks the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

In their Living Mercy – Year 12 Religious Education classes today, students were privileged to hear a personal account by local First Nations Elder Auntie Janet Bromley, Yorta Yorta. CMCB Koorie Education Worker Mr Stephen Korp, Wemba Wamba, introduced Auntie Janet.

It is estimated that as many as one in three Indigenous children were taken from their families between 1910 and the 1970s — affecting most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. These children were forcibly removed from their families and communities through race-based policies set up by both State and Federal Governments.

In 2008 the Australian Government formally apologised to them and their families. The national Apology to the Stolen Generations acknowledged the trauma and grief suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a result of past government policies, particularly the removal of children from their families.

We thank Auntie Janet Bromley for visiting today and sharing her story, which had a profound impact on the gathered Year 12 students.

Mr Korp with Auntie Janet Bromley and Nathaniel (Year 12)