February 13 2008 marked a turning point in Australian history. On behalf of the Federal Government, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a speech apologising to members of the Stolen Generations and other Indigenous people who have lived through past government policies and practices. The national apology is a crucial first step, healing and symbolic, that will allow us to move towards real reconciliation.
UTS community breakfast
The UTS community commemorated this occasion with a breakfast event.
Prior to the live broadcast, Auntie Joan Tranter shared her personal story.
Auntie Joan Tranter from the UTS Equity & Diversity Unit shared her story. (04:29s - 7.4MB)
After the broadcast, a panel consisting of Indigenous and non-Indigenous UTS staff - Joan Tranter, Sonya Pearce, Nina Burridge and Mark McMillan - gave their initial responses to the apology, and took questions from the floor.
The apology, and initial responses to it
Refer to online versions of:
- The Prime Minister's speech - Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples (opens an external site)
- The Leader of the Opposition's speech - We Are Sorry (opens an external site)
- Patrick Dodson responds to the Stolen Generations apology (opens an external site).
- Tom Calma's response to government to the national apology to the Stolen Generations - Let the healing begin (opens an external site).
- Sydney Morning Herald Australia says Sorry online presentation (opens an external site).
