UN Declaration turn about on the cards
The federal government is preparing to endorse a landmark United Nations declaration on indigenous rights, in another symbolic gesture sure to satisfy the hard work of Indigenous campaigners.
National Indigenous Times, February 17, 2008

Govt offers $50m for substance abuse
The federal government has allocated $50 million to reduce alcohol and substance abuse in remote indigenous communities. The money, which the government committed to at last December’s Council of Australian Governments’ meeting, will be divided between the states and will pay for substance and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services.
SBS News/AAP, February 17, 2008

Apology support
Church organisations around Australia have hailed the Federal Government’s historic apology to the Stolen Generations as a major step forward for reconciliation between the nation’s indigenous and non-indigenous people.
The Catholic Leader, February 17, 2008

Film puts stolen child in her mum’s shoes
When Hollywood dramatised the taking of a child under Australia’s now discredited “protection” policies, a member of our stolen generations who acted alongside the stars got a blinding insight into how her mother had been forced to let “the welfare” take her away 47 years ago, when she was just 14 months old.
Sydney Morning Herald, February 16, 2008

We’ve said sorry, what now?
In his historic apology to indigenous Australians - especially the Stolen Generations - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd spoke of a new chapter. He entreated those listening to turn the page and help heal Australia’s race relations. But now that the word is out of the way, what do we do now? Prominent Australians and outside onlookers who have seen similar situations in their own countries offer their advice on improving conditions for indigenous people, and the sorries they would have offered.
Herald Sun, February 17, 2008

Dust Echoes
Dust Echoes is an exciting resource featuring five beautifully told Dreamtime stories produced by the Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, a partner of Caritas Australia.

Most useful for Upper Primary classrooms, this website uses animation to engage students in learning about Indigenous culture. Each dreamtime story is an animated picture with cross-curriculum lesson plans to connect students learning. Each lesson provides discussion questions, use of research skills and makes links between culture and students own experiences. Games and art activities are also provided. A great way to incorporate aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum while highlighting the amazing work by Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation in Arnhem Land.

www.abc.net.au

The Apology to the Stolen Generations
The apology in Federal Parliament to the Stolen Generations of Australia on February 13, 2008 is expected to become a defining moment in the nation’s history. Crowds gathered across the country to mark the occasion with tears, cheers and emotional displays of relief, happiness and in some cases, anger. The following two websites contain text, audio and video highlights of the ABC’s comprehensive coverage about the apology and the reaction to it from around the country.

www.abc.net.au/canberra/features/apology/ AND www.abc.net.au/news/events/apology/

Prayer for the Journey of Healing

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image,
Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.
You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.
We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.
We are sorry and ask Your forgiveness.
Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits.
In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.
Lord, you are our hope.
Amen.

With thanks to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission