Episode Transcript
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Well, hello.
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My name is Brad Jarro.
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I'm a descendant of the Bidjara and Gangulu people
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of Central Queensland.
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And I’m the Centre Manager of Ngutana-Lui,
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Brisbane Catholic Education’s
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Cultural Studies Centre
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based at Inala.
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Today, we take the time
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to commemorate the anniversary
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of the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s,
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formal apology
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to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
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particularly the Stolen Generations,
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on behalf of the Australian nation in 2008.
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The apology acknowledged
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that the laws and policies of successive
Parliaments and governments
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had resulted in the forcible removal
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of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
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from their families
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and in Kevin Rudd’s words,
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‘inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss
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on these our fellow Australians’.
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We join in prayer today,
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acknowledging the thousands
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of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
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who were forcibly removed from
their families and communities
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by churches,
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welfare organisations and governments.
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The exact number is not known.
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However, is estimated that, anywhere from one in ten
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to one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
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were forcibly removed from their families
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and fostered or adopted
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by non-Indigenous families
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or raised in institutions.
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These children are known as the Stolen Generations.
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Many experienced neglect,
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abuse and exploitative labour,
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and were denied contact with their families.
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We remember them and we pray,
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in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
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Amen.
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Loving God,
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we come before You with humble hearts,
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remembering the pain and suffering endured by so many.
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We give thanks for the courage and leadership
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shown by those who have worked tirelessly
for justice and reconciliation.
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We pray for the healing and hope for all
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who have been affected by the injustices of the past.
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May Your grace bring comfort to those
who still carry the wounds of history.
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Help us all to listen deeply
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to the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
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and to continue to walk together on the path of healing.
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Grant us the wisdom and strength
to continue the work of reconciliation.
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May we be instruments of Your peace,
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fostering understanding and respect in our communities.
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Let us honour the rich cultural heritage and contributions
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of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
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recognising their deep connections to this land.
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As we reflect on the significance of this day,
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may we be inspired to act with compassion and justice.
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Guide our leaders and all people in making decisions
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that promote equality and dignity for all.
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We ask this in Your holy name.
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Amen.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
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Amen.
