The Stolen Generations and Sorry Day.
WARNING: The following blog may contain images, videos or names of deceased Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Acknowledgement of Country:
I would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, the traditional owners of this land and acknowledge Elders- past, present and future.
What students are learning:
This term, Year Six students will develop understanding, awareness and empathy of the impact of Australia’s historical past involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the world’s oldest continuous living culture.The Stolen Generations and Sorry Day are significant events which shape Australia’s history and present day. It is essential students engage in relevant real life events when addressing human rights and social justice.
The Stolen Generations refers to the forcible removal and mistreatment of mixed descent children from Indigenous mothers and their communities, with intentions to force ‘white’ Australian culture upon them. Indigenous children lost cultural connections to their language and traditions, whilst the mothers mourned lifelong loss of their child.
Through inquiry, this unit provides students opportunities to build empathy, knowledge and ethical understanding of cultural diversity through exploring, researching, and examining personal viewpoints of past events relating to The Stolen Generations and Sorry Day through the Australian Curriculum: History.
Incorporating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and Histories priority into the learning adds depth and richness to students developing knowledge and understanding of The Stolen Generations and continuing lasting impact on Australia’s history; allowing students to work towards recognition, respect and reconciliation of Australian’s Indigenous Peoples.
How students are learning and why:
Students will engage in a whole class reading of The Burnt Stick. Students will discuss how they feel about the removal of Aboriginal children from their families, including how they would feel if someone they loved were removed from their lives without permission or reason. Students will explore the testimony of one of The Stolen Generations survivors (Stolen Generations-testimonies) and present an oral recount and discuss the impact the forcible removal had on their chosen survivor’s life.
Students will watch Kevin Rudd's apology to The Stolen Generations and form an opinion whether they believe the apology can heal the pain and loss from past events and help achieve reconciliation.
How parents can support their child’s learning:
To support your child’s learning on this topic I have organised an information session with a local Elder to discuss their perspectives on The Stolen Generations including using appropriate language, protocols, permissions and overall respect when interacting with Aboriginal histories and culture. Not showing respect to Aboriginal culture is a common mistake non-Aboriginal people make so attendance with your child would be appreciated. Allow your child to engage in positive and open discussions about both sides of Australia’s history; learning it is the first step towards reconciliation
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