Stolen Generations facts for kids

The term Stolen Generations refers to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia who were forcibly removed from their families by government agencies and church missions under various policies. This practice occurred from approximately 1905 to 1967, though in some areas it continued into the 1970s.

History

The removal of these children was part of assimilation policies aimed at integrating Aboriginal people into white society. These policies were based on the belief that Aboriginal people would either die out or be better off if assimilated into the dominant culture. Children of mixed descent, often referred to as "half-caste," were particularly targeted because they were perceived as more easily integrated into white society.

Implementation

The children were taken from their families and placed in institutions, foster homes, or adopted by non-Indigenous families. They were often subjected to abuse and neglect and were denied access to their culture, language, and families. The removals were justified under the guise of protecting the children, but they resulted in significant cultural and familial disconnection.

Impact anfd Legacy

The impact of these policies has been profound and long-lasting, leading to what is known as intergenerational trauma. This trauma affects not only the survivors but also their descendants, creating a cycle of emotional and psychological distress. The exact number of children removed is unknown, but it is estimated that in some regions, between one in ten and one in three Indigenous children were affected.

Recognition and Apology

Public awareness of the Stolen Generations increased significantly in the late 20th century, partly due to the efforts of activists and the release of the "Bringing Them Home" report by the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1997. This report detailed the policies and their devastating effects on Indigenous communities. In 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologized to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Australian government, acknowledging the wrongs done to Indigenous peoples.

Continuing Issues

Despite the formal apology and increased awareness, many recommendations from the "Bringing Them Home" report have yet to be fully implemented. The legacy of these policies continues to affect Indigenous communities, with ongoing issues related to cultural disconnection and high rates of Indigenous children in state care.

Images for kids

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  The successive breeding out of "colour" in the Aboriginal population, demonstrated here in A. O. Neville's "Australia's coloured minority" book

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  The Lord Mayor's National Sorry Day in Brisbane, May 26, 2016, honoring Aboriginal culture and commemorating mistreatment of Indigenous Australians

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  Kevin Rudd on screen in Federation Square, Melbourne, apologising to the stolen generations.

See also

In Spanish: Generaciones robadas (Australia) para niños