Australia: "Stolen generations" speak out in Canberra

Along with a small group of Aborigines invited into the parliamentary gallery, over 1,500 people gathered in the parliament’s Great Hall in Canberra and another 4,000 rallied outside.

Aboriginal people, including many whose families were irreparably destroyed by the policies of forced separation, came to the national capital from every state and territory, some travelling thousands of kilometres. They were joined by thousands of non-indigenous supporters, registering their opposition to the ongoing legacy of Aboriginal dispossession and giving voice to widespread sentiments for change.

A majority of those in attendance expressed illusions that the Rudd government’s apology was a step toward redressing the historical crimes against the Aboriginal people. Many were swept along by the event’s undoubted emotional impact as Rudd acknowledged just some of the crimes committed by government authorities aimed at the destruction of Aboriginal society and culture.