LOCALS gathered at Njernda on Wednesday to celebrate 11 years since the National Apology to Stolen Generations.
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On February 13, 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised for the policies which saw Indigenous Australians forcibly removed from their families and communities.
Njernda deputy chief executive John Mitchell said the day was deeply significant for community members.
‘‘We hold it very dear. At Njernda we work with up to four generations from the original stolen generation,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s still a lot of healing to be done through returning to country and cultural reconnection.’’
Aunty Jennine Atkinson, who recently joined Njernda as the stolen generations worker, said many of those touched by the stolen generations struggled with drugs and alcohol and mental health issues.
‘‘You just don’t realise the sheer effect it has had on our people until you’re working in this job,’’ she said. ‘‘The pain from it has been carried through the generations. Words are good, but actions need to be taken to see further healing.’’