The Stolen Generations

In acknowledgement for the work of The Elders who have passed fighting for Justice and Reparations.  

To The Stolen Generations in whose footprints we walk, we commit to continue the journey for a Just Outcome that ensures those who still live with this pain have compensation for the displacement and desolation from their lived experience.

The Stolen Generations are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families as a result of past Australian government policies during the late 1800s to the 1970s. The removed children were initially sent to missions and reserves and then later, institutionalised, fostered or adopted to non-Indigenous families across Australia and overseas. They were separated from their culture, family, land and identity.

As a consequence and impact of being taken or stolen, Elm Place seeks to deliver a service working through the ongoing intergenerational trauma felt by The Stolen Generations.

Our Commitment to The Stolen Generations

Elm Place is committed to working against the injustices of the past and the ongoing systemic and structural practices perpetrated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In partnership and with dignity, integrity and humility, Elm Place hopes to create a more compassionate, nurturing, safe and healing space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s ongoing journey.

Support Services for The Stolen Generations

• Post Care Support Services – 1800 188 118
• Find & Connect – 1800 16 11 09
• Link Up – Nunkuwarrin Yunti provides family tracing, reunion and counselling services – (08) 8406 1600

 

Further assistance:

For counselling and support, please visit the following organisations:

• Elm Place at Relationships Australia SA Phone 1800 188 118
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Agency, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Phone 08 8406 1600
• Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Phone 1800 643 222, Email info@alrm.org.au

 

Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service:

• Muna Paiendi, corner Mark and Oldham Roads, Elizabeth Vale SA 5112 Phone 08 8182 9206
• Maringga Turtpandi, GP Plus Super Clinic, 1 Gilles Crescent, Hillcrest SA 5086 Phone 08 7425 8900
• Wonggangga Turtpandi, corner Church and Dale Street, Port Adelaide SA 5015 Phone 08 9240 9611
• Kanggawodli, 16-22 Clements Street, Dudley Park SA 2250 Phone 08 8342 2250

Significant Events

• Anniversary of The National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples – 13 February

 

On 13 February 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered an Apology to Australia’s Indigenous People on behalf of the Australian Government. The national Apology acknowledged the trauma and grief suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a result of past government policies, particularly the forced removal of children from their families.

“We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country. For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.” – Excerpt from The Apology, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, February 13 2008

• Sorry Day – 26 May

 

National Sorry Day, held each year on 26 May is a very significant day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly for Stolen Generation survivors.  As a recommendation of the Bringing them home report, National Sorry Day commemorates the history of the forcible removal of children from their families and its effects.

The following video filmed on Sorry Day 2015, shows the ceremonial opening of The Stolen Generation Memorial and Healing Garden at Stebonheath Park, Andrews Farm.

Accessing your records

Searching for your records about your time in ‘institutional care’ can be a complicated process as they may be stored in several different places.

State Records of South Australia – Aboriginal Access Team

Phone: (08) 7322 7077
Email: srsaAboriginalServices@sa.gov.au