I am sorry the “I’m sorry” took so long.
Posted on February 13, 2008 - Filed Under General
Kevin Rudd will go down in history as the leader who has acted on the thoughts of many Australians. As the only politician with enough guts and enough compassion to give the indigenous people of Australia what they have been owed for far too long.
Believe it or not history clearly shows that our indigenous people managed to bring up their families quite adequately before the settlers arrived and took over their land and tried to forcibly instill in them “white” values and so called “Christian” principles.
The Aboriginal culture is a culture rich in tradition and a sense of belonging to the land . They respect the land and it’s animals and their “family” system is far reaching something we could all learn a lot from.
The healing is already beginning, it was so touching to see many Aboriginal people wearing t-shirts today emblazoned with the words “Thank you”. When Mr Rudd extended Australia’s hand in a gesture of reconciliation and it was met half way by the indigenous community this surely must auger well for ALL Australians.
What a wonderful day. What a great start to healing. Let us now take this momentum to improve indigenous educational outcomes, health and life expectancy.
There are many who do not understand what today has meant to our indigenous peoples and to most Australians and there are some too ignorant to want to learn- those of us who do must show the way in the hope that one day they will.
I am truly sorry.
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7 Responses to “I am sorry the “I’m sorry” took so long.”
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I have loved the time and energy you’ve put forth to this issue. I’m not Australian and don’t know or understand the history but do understand indiginous peoples and the tough time they’ve had. Native Americans have had an equally rough blow in the past as “whites” took over the entire country and relegated them to sad replacements called “reservations”. I appreciate the efforts that Mr. Rudd has undergone to make sure that the Abigorinal people have what is owed to them. If only the United States would take note. What a great example!
I saw this in the NY Times today and it made me remember when the US made its official apology to the Japanese Americans they threw in internment camps during WWII. I’m always humbled by what others have had to tolerate because of narrow-minded individuals who seek power.
Yes what a day the 13th feb 2008 was for all Australians. Over 600 people crammed the forecourt of the Castlemaine Market Building last night to celebrate Australia saying Sorry to the Stolen generations. Mostyn Street had to be closed off as people came from around the region to be part of this historic occasion.
A traditional welcome ceremony with Jaara Elders Carmel Barry, who gave her Welcome to Country and Brien Nelson who performed with Leigh a rare smoking ceremony. Acknowledgement of Country by Wamba Wamba man Ron Murray followed with Kane Nelson and Ron making a very strong and stirring statement on Didgeridoo.
A highlight was when Stolen Generation member Leigh, told his shocking story of being taken and how he still has difficulty still, in his daily life. Leigh was too emotional to finish reading the story he had written and was assisted by Ron Murray.
Another major highlight was the active participation by scores of local schoolchildren. Aboriginal teacher Julie’s group from Winter’s Flat Primary School, sang a song and then is unison spoke their personal sorry words.
Castlemaine Secondary English teacher Andrew in introducing his groups of students, talked of the emotional morning at school where as many as possible of the school community were able to watch on TVs and computer screens, the direct broadcast from Parliament House in Canberra. Kayla from year 9 read a statement of apology to the Aboriginal population.
The actual celebration began with Kinja. Ron Murray on Didj and Sarah James on violin and singing Fields of Murrnong , Mama Mam Warrino and the beautiful Wild Mountain Thyme.
Jan Wositsky and James Rigby sang appropriately Jan’s own song Thank you for the Welcome.
Blackwood with James and Andy Rigby and Jane Thompson played and sang Land of Broken Dreams and Bruce Watson’s Sorry Song. The Acafellas joined in to add their inimicable style to the event. One new young member, sang with them after only one rehearsal the night before.
There was more. The Chat Warblers led by Jane Thompson sang their own amazing Sorry Song which they only began to practise two weeks ago. Then the great No Goon No Pah
Black, red and yellow colours were everywhere. Dozens of colourful and some very large posters added the he spectacle. Mostly saying Sorry, one read “At Last”. These posters were made in Eva’s garage
One talked about the history of saying Sorry in this region and how increasingly aware this community had become.
A huge picnic continued in Victory Park till 8.00 pm.
Organisers said they were delighted with the response considering that organisation began only two weeks ago. Marilyn and Eva were interviewed live during the celebrations for Drive Time on ABC Melbourne.
Truly an historic day in Australian history and in Castlemaine.
Suggest that all of you write to your local Mayor and Councillors and CEO and ask them to formally say SORRY to the local Indigenous people.
Sounds like a good first step. American history is full of similar stories, and some “I’m sorry”s need to be passed out here too.
I read about this in my local paper and I thought it was great to see some progress being made in the right direction.
Hey MGL, where are yoooouuuuuuu?
How exquisite to hear about the simple, but intense act of saying ‘I’m sorry,’ and the powerful, positive response to it.