Those who col
onized this great country did so at the expense of its original inhabitants and took from them not only their land, but identity and cultural heritage as well (sound familiar?). Among other actions, aboriginal children were ripped from their families during the early part of the 20th century and given to white families in order to breed the aboriginal genes out of them. Movies such as The Rabbit-Proof Fence demonstrate the tragedies and atrocities of such actions. This group is now known as “The Stolen Generation,” since so much was taken from them and so much suffering inflicted upon them.The Australian government, under new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, issued an official apology earlier this year, detailing white Australia’s offenses toward its aboriginal citizenship and telling them that the nation indeed was sorry for what it had done. It was called "National Sorry Day." I like it because it seems to me that whenever we seek reconciliation and reconnection with others, we must begin by owning up to our own actions. This is the first step toward setting the record straight, and providing a foundation for forgiveness and growth. I know there's still much to be done to level the playing field in this culture and to right actions that have inflicted hurt and wounding. Admitting past wrongs is a beginning- now the real work begins.
I don’t know where this will all lead, but I'm interested to see it taking place close up, and to follow its progress. Who knows? Perhaps success here can become a model for others to emulate in the quest to bring together those who have been torn apart by wrongs of the past.
Let’s watch, pray and hope.
