The apology to the Stolen Generations was delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in the House of Representatives on the 13th February 2008. The national apology has become a symbol of hope for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders. Australia in modern day society are somewhat optimistic for the future of the relationship between both races. Attitudes to Indigenous lives and lifestyles, interactions and attitudes to personal involvement and cultural awareness and pride determines the quality of this relationship.
The 2008 apology to the Stolen Generation was generally well received by the broader community, as well as Indigenous Australians, with the latter typically seeing it as a crucial step towards building better relations between the …show more content…
As a result, five dimensions that represent the comprehensive vision of reconciliation is identified. Race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity and historical acceptance are all contributing factors that highlight the interrelated topics of reconciliation. According to Patrick Dodson of Reconciliation Australia, race relations is where “All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect and that are free of racism” (Australia, n.d.). Statistics prove that levels of interaction and contact between Indigenous Australians and other non-indigenous Australians is low. According to the Australian Reconciliation Barometer (2014) Only 30 per cent of the general community actually socialise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In order to achieve reconciliation, Australia needs to develop stronger relationships purely based on respect and trust, free of racism. The current Australian Reconciliation Barometer (ARB) results state that while Australian society still do not fully trust each other, 26 per cent of the general population believe that the trust towards Indigenous people is high, so there are signs of progress in they field. Reconciliation is where Australians of both races, live equitably and equally in all aspects of life. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld” (ibid.). In order to achieve this, Australia must close the gaps in the life outcomes for Indigenous Australians while achieving respect and recognition for
The 2008 apology to the Stolen Generation was generally well received by the broader community, as well as Indigenous Australians, with the latter typically seeing it as a crucial step towards building better relations between the …show more content…
As a result, five dimensions that represent the comprehensive vision of reconciliation is identified. Race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity and historical acceptance are all contributing factors that highlight the interrelated topics of reconciliation. According to Patrick Dodson of Reconciliation Australia, race relations is where “All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect and that are free of racism” (Australia, n.d.). Statistics prove that levels of interaction and contact between Indigenous Australians and other non-indigenous Australians is low. According to the Australian Reconciliation Barometer (2014) Only 30 per cent of the general community actually socialise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In order to achieve reconciliation, Australia needs to develop stronger relationships purely based on respect and trust, free of racism. The current Australian Reconciliation Barometer (ARB) results state that while Australian society still do not fully trust each other, 26 per cent of the general population believe that the trust towards Indigenous people is high, so there are signs of progress in they field. Reconciliation is where Australians of both races, live equitably and equally in all aspects of life. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld” (ibid.). In order to achieve this, Australia must close the gaps in the life outcomes for Indigenous Australians while achieving respect and recognition for