AnglicareSA and Believe Housing Australia (AnglicareSA’s housing arm) employees joined other community organisations, social services providers, government bodies, local councils, and community members at the Walk of Awareness to commemorate the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February.

The annual event, held in Port Adelaide and hosted by the Port Adelaide Enfield Council, saw hundreds of people embark on a 650-metre walk from the northern side of the Birkenhead Bridge to Hart’s Mill to remember the past and look forward to the future.

Upon arriving at Hart’s Mill, participants walked through a traditional smoking ceremony by Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri/Narungga man Robert Taylor to cleanse their spirit, and Senior Kaurna Man Uncle Mickey Kumatpi O’Brien Welcomed us to Country.

Stolen Generations representative Aunty Tina Flannagan spoke at the event and reflected on the legacy of broken cultural, spiritual, and family ties of First Nations communities.

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations, delivered by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13 February 2008, was a milestone step toward reconciliation between First Nations and non-First Nations people.

In his speech, Kevin Rudd acknowledged the impact past laws and policies had inflicted upon the First Nations people, particularly the forcible removal of those who were the Stolen Generations.

 

The spirit of that day, of recognition and truth-telling, was acknowledged throughout the walk, while also uniting First Nations and non-First Nations community members to share in healing.

 

MC of the event, Alex Houthuysen (Hill), is an Aboriginal man from the Yamatji Nation of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and found out he was a part of the Stolen Generation in his late 30s.

“This day represents my coming out as a Stolen Generations man,” Alex said.

“I knew I was adopted but I never knew I was Aboriginal until I started looking for the missing pieces of my life’s jigsaw puzzle.

“There’s a lot of things I’ve missed out on – life, my culture, people, other family.”

Alex has been the MC of the Walk of Awareness for the last few years and said the event is all about Community.

“It’s all about being part of the community, and engulfing yourself in what community means, because the Aboriginal community is a very tight community.”

 

AnglicareSA’s commitment to reconciliation

At AnglicareSA, we believe reconciliation is not a single action, but a constant commitment to listening, learning, and acting for change.

We take this responsibility seriously, with sincerity and commitment.

Our vision for reconciliation is to be an organisation that provides opportunities for all First Nations peoples to prosper through equitable access to all services.

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a key part of achieving this vision – it is a document that helps to guide our reconciliation efforts and drive positive change for First Nations communities.

We hope to introduce our fourth RAP to you very soon.

 

Support and resources

If you or someone you know needs support, please contact:

• 13YARN, a First Nations crisis support line: 13 92 76
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Brother to Brother 24-hour crisis line: 1800 435 799
• Thirrili, First Nations 24-hour Postvention service: 1800 805 801

If you would like to help First Nations communities and members of the Stolen Generations to heal, consider donating to the Healing Foundation.