The Long Journey Undertaken By Indigenous Australians

The long journey undertaken by indigenous Australians in their search for equality, respect and legal ownership of what is rightfully theirs, has been a long, bloody battle spanning the last 200 years and unfortunately remains largely unresolved. The Close the Gap Campaign is one example of positive attempts to strengthen the indigenous / white relationship as it offers numerous support systems for the indigenous, from the government. Another example of such positive steps is seen in 2008, when the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd made an emotional speech to apologise to the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders for the terrible suffering and heart wrenching battle they have experienced before, during and long after the Stolen Generation†¦show more content†¦The British killed thousands of Indigenous people including whole families; they stole away the land that the Indigenous Australians had been spiritually connected to their whole lives. Another disaster for the aborigin als was that the Europeans brought diseases and famine to the country which killed a major percentage of the population. The British were taking what the Indigenous rightfully owned and started to destroy and change it drastically. The Indigenous had to abide by the European rules and had to change their culture and beliefs to fit in. The Apology speech by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, was presented in front of Indigenous Australians that were and were not affected by the Stolen Generation and also non-indigenous Australians. Both indigenous and white Australians have their opinion on The Apology regarding what it means for them, what it has resolved or if it has added fuel to the fire. Mr Gary Foley, a long time Indigenous activist outlined his views when stating; â€Å"I think it should be taught in Political Science classes as an example of the duplicity and deceit of politicians. And it should be taught in psychology classes in terms of how a nation appeases itself of its guilt. And it should be taught in drama school as a classic example of Australian political comedy. And it should be taught in driving school as a magnificent example of defensive driving and evasive tactics and