| Bringing Them Home Report |
|
On 26th May 1997 the Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families was tabled in Federal Parliament. The Bringing Them Home Report, revealed the extent of forced removal policies, which went on for more that 150 years and into the 1980’s. The Bringing Them Home Report detailed unquestionable evidence about the forced removal of thousands of Indigenous children from their families and communities. The report documented numerous case studies, outlining the impacts of child removal policies on Indigenous individuals, their families and communities. It examined the contemporary legacies of these policies that are evident in the social disruption and continuing disadvantage experienced by so many Indigenous Australians. The Report revealed the shattering effects of these policies in terms of broken families, diminished physical and mental health, loss of language, culture and connection to traditional land, loss of parenting skills and the enormous distress of many of its victims today. It also revealed the trans-generational impact and damaging effects that these forced child removals continue to have on the Indigenous families and communities from which those children were ripped apart. The most shocking finding of the Bringing Them Home Report was that to date, not one Aboriginal family had escaped the effects of the forced removal policies. The Inquiry made 54 recommendations on a wide range of issues which were directed to governments, churches, and other community groups. This largely unknown history has stirred intense concern. The Bringing Them Home Report has sold more copies than any comparable report. The release of the findings of the BTH Report had a profound effect on the Australian public. The BTH Report recommended (Recommendation No 7.a) that a National Sorry Day be held each year on 26 May “to commemorate the history of forcible removals and its effects.” As a result of this recommendation the community-based organisation the National Sorry Day Committee was formed with affiliated groups in each State and Territory. National Sorry Day is now held annually on May 26. This day brings together thousands of Australians, both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous. It is a day to pause, to grieve together and to re-commit ourselves to making things better for members of the Stolen Generations, their families, and communities. It is significant for the social emotional wellbeing of all Australians, Indigenous and Non Indigenous. Related Documents |
 |
 |
 |