My country, I still call Australia home: Contemporary art from Black Australia

At 9.30am on 13 February 2008, the then prime minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, made a significant contribution to Australian history by making a public apology to members of the Stolen Generations and their families. The Apology was long-anticipated, as many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people had campaigned for the government to make a formal address to those affected by the forcible removal of mixed-race Indigenous children from their families. That day in February was undeniably one of healing. For many, the public declaration that the Australian Federal Government and State and Territory governments engaged in practices that have caused, and continue to cause, an unquantifiable amount of trans-generational trauma and collective pain, brought a sense of closure and peace. Prior to that day, however, there had been much debate about publicly apologising to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for the removal of these children. There was a view among some Australians that there was nothing to apologise for — a view that disputed any wrongdoing, asserting that this removal was in fact an act of kindness, providing care for neglected children. The previous prime minister, John Howard, who held office for 11 years (1996–2007), refused to make a public apology even in the face of widespread scrutiny and condemnation. This was the case even after the delivery of Bringing them Home: The Report , which demonstrated, along with many other horrific findings, that from 1946 onwards existed: ‘laws and practices, which, with the purpose of eliminating Indigenous cultures, promoted the removal of Indigenous children for rearing in non-Indigenous institutions and households, were in breach of the international prohibition of genocide’. 1 Arguably, the disconnect at the heart of the Apology remains today. Dispute over whether it was necessary or unnecessary directly reflects what is Sorry: Keeping our histories alive Glenn Iseger-Pilkington Richard Bell Kamilaroi people QLD I didn't do it (detail) 2002 Gravel, glue and synthetic polymer paint on canvas Purchased 2002. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 131