The Stolen Generation – Aborigines

The “Stolen Generation” happened from about 1869 to 1969. Roughly 100 years, although some children were still being taken in the 1970’s. “Stolen Generation” is a term used to describe the children that were taken from there families between this time. At least 100,000 aboriginal children were taken from their families in this time, although this number may be a lot higher. Poor record keeping, changes to department and the loss of records make it almost impossible to trace any connections between parents, family or the amount of children taken. The children that were taken where mainly up to the age of 16, although some where taken up to the age of 21.

These children where then taken from their country, sometimes overseas and were placed into half caste institutions, used as guides, servants and for farm labour. Aboriginal girls in particular where taken to homes that were established by the Aboriginal Protection Board to be trained as domestic servants. Most were raised in these places after they were taken from their parents although some were adopted or fostered by white parents. Many of these children suffered physical or sexual abuse, occasionally both. Food and living conditions were poor and the children had little education and were expected to go into low grade domestic or farm work.

These children were taken because it was a federal and state government policy to remove them from their parents, especially those of mixed decent. This was mainly to assimilate the Aborigines over one or two generations. There was rarely any judicial process for this, and laws were introduced to control their movements and ability to work and associate freely, making the white assimilators job easier. In 1886, the Aborigines Protection Act deemed all “half castes” living with Aborigines to be natives.

The results this had on Aborigines:

• Grown up in a hostile environment
• No family ties or cultural identity
• Suffered: Insecurity, lack of self esteem, feelings of worthlessness, inability to trust, depression, abuse of alcohol and drugs, violence and suicide
• Difficulty raising children lack of parental control

These effects have had a huge impact of the Aboriginal community, and a national enquiry was set up in 1995. Its 1997 report “Bringing them Home” contained disturbing evidence. The report contains research on the history of the laws, practices and policies of the forcible removal of children, the consequences of removal, reparation and services for those affected. Kevin Rudd, the Australian Prime Minister, made a formal apology to the Aboriginal people, which was widely applauded by Aborigines and non-indigenous people alike. This has had a great effect on the Australian public, although it was stated that NO compensation fund would be initiated. Without the compensation, the aborigines have less of a chance to rebuild their previous society. This will have a huge impact on rebuilding their race.