In recent years, countries such as America, Canada, and Australia have been confronting the sins of their past, in particular their treatment of indigenous people. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the official apology that the government of Australia issued to the indigenous people in their country. Specifically, this was an apology for creating what became known as “The Stolen Generation,” by separating indigenous children from their families in order to distance them from their culture. In the years since, the process of reconciliation continues, but acknowledging the problem allowed for this process to begin.
Play this video [4:44].
10th Anniversary since the Apology to the Stolen Generations – Behind the News
- How do you imagine it felt to be the Prime Minister making this apology? To be an indigenous Australian hearing this apology? (Accept all reasonable answers. For the PM, there might be shame for the past, hope for the future. Some students may comment that it is unfair that one person has to apologize for someone else’s wrongs. Indigenous Australians may have felt thankful or dignified; perhaps others felt it is too little too late.)
- What do you think about making an apology for something that happened in the past? (Accept all reasonable answers. Consider the value in speaking the words of apology rather than ignoring the wrongs. Consider that understanding and healing might be a result of saying sorry, even if belatedly.)
- Is an apology all that is needed to reconcile these people to one another? What else might be needed? (Accept all reasonable answers. While a verbal apology is good start, actions speak louder than words. Taking action to amend for the suffering and ensuring equal treatment now and in the future is the work of true reconciliation.)
Reconciliation is not easy, but it is worth it. Whether as a country or an individual, where there is brokenness and alienation, we ought to seek wholeness and reconciliation. This is true on a spiritual level as well. The chasm our sin creates between us and God is so big, we can’t possibly bridge it with our words or actions. But, thankfully through Jesus, God extends reconciliation.
