National Sorry Day

In 1998 Council joined many individuals and organisations around the country in acknowledging National Sorry Day with the release of its National Sorry Day Acknowledgement.

On 26 May 2008 Council reaffirmed its National Sorry Day Acknowledgement (1998) and:

...says sorry to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were removed from their families and says sorry for the continuing impact it has had on those individuals, their families and their communities.

Adelaide City Council National Sorry Day Acknowledgement (1998)

The City of Adelaide joins with many individuals, church, civic, educational and community groups and organisations, in recognising that this is Kaurna land and that the processes of settlement which gave rise to the Adelaide of today, resulted in the dispossession of the indigenous inhabitants. While there is much in that history of settler development in which to take pride, along with that satisfaction and benefit goes a responsibility to recognise the harmful effects which resulted for the dispossessedReconciliation National Sorry Day.

In particular, we acknowledge the hurt and harm that was caused by the forced removal of children from their families. In spite of the intentions of those involved and the genuine care given in many cases to those “stolen children”, many suffered great grief, physical and mental damage, and were deprived of love and cultural nurturance. Those left behind also suffered horrific pain and grief at their loss.

Recognition that some of those who were removed, received education and opportunities unavailable within indigenous communities, cannot be regarded as adequate justification or compensation for this wrenching apart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.

The Council is committed to the pursuit of a united and equitable Australia which respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and co-operates to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage. This process of reconciliation requires serious consideration of the whole of Australian history, including the extent to which that history underlies indigenous disadvantage today.

Council, on behalf of the people of Adelaide, sincerely acknowledges the pain and damage caused to indigenous people, especially to the children and families who were forcibly separated.

Undertaking

As part of the City of Adelaide's response to the “Bringing Them Home” report, Council undertakes:

* To support “National Sorry Day” as an annual event to focus attention to the continuing consequences of forced removal and the need to make appropriate reparations.
* To contribute to community awareness and understanding of the history of Indigenous people in South Australia, in particular the experiences and effects of forced removal.
* To work towards reconciliation in line with the City of Adelaide’s Vision Statement.

Ongoing Projects

Council has, in line these undertakings already commenced a program of consultation and partnership with indigenous people which includes the following projects:

* Community education initiatives on indigenous issues and reconciliation, including native title.
* Local history projects such as mapping the history of Kaurna occupation including Kaurna names, publications, memorials etc.
* Maintain the ATSI and ACC Reconciliation Committee to ensure Indigenous perspectives and aspirations are considered by Council.
* Support initiatives to improve co-ordination of community services to Indigenous people in the City area, especially in youth services, public health and welfare.