LOCAL school students and community members came together last week to honour and learn about the Stolen Generations and the lasting impact of that period on Aboriginal communities.
Life Without Barriers, in conjunction with other community groups, hosted a National Apology Day event at the Riverland Cultural Arts Centre in Glossop last Friday, before the 13-year anniversary of the formal apology to the Stolen Generations on Saturday.
Students from Glossop High School and Glossop Primary Community School took part in the ceremony.
Life Without Barriers case worker Sam Mitchell, who led the ceremony, said organisers were happy with community turnout and the participation of local students.
“It was good to see the local students be involved in today’s acknowledgment,” he said.
“It’s very important and vital to get the message of reconciliation to the next generation and the future leaders of our community.
“We have some of our older generation, and some members of the Stolen Generations present, so it’s good to honour and acknowledge those members of the community and create a cultural safe space where we can begin healing and more importantly working together.”
Mr Mitchell said he thought awareness of the Stolen Generations and historical mistreatment of indigenous Australians was improving.
“I feel that now, in 2021, a lot has changed since the referendum in 1967 in terms of the treatment and policies,” he said.
“We’ve made some good changes, but like with anything there’s still a lot of history to be learnt and taught and a lot of trauma to be healed.
“Overall, you can see by the turnout of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, this is a really good acknowledgement.
“It’s great that we have a lot of community members and the local media to help spread awareness.”
Mr Mitchell said further events this year were also planned to celebrate the local indigenous community.
“We are planning with Life Without Barriers and some other agencies to do a walk similar to what is done in Adelaide,” he said.
“We want to engage with community members and create new ideas, but also stick with what we’ve already built as well, and that’s the importance of having young people around and involved.”