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The Apology - One year on
Theme: Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders - Australian history and race relations
Key Learning Area: English - Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE)
Age Group: Primary Upper (10-12) - Secondary Lower (13-14) - Secondary Middle (15-16) Resource Type: Audio-visual Stimulus Name: The Apology
Introduction
February 13th 2009 is the first anniversay of the apology to the Stolen Generations by the Australian Parliament. The apology was a powerful event in the nation's history for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Worksheets to download
Sorry Song lyrics Kerry Fletcher (rtf File)
Sorry Song sheet music Kerry Fletcher (pdf File)
(If you experience problems opening this PDF, download and install this reader.)
Resources Needed
The Apology, a documentary produced for Reconciliation Australia by Indigenous Film Services. The documentary is free and may be ordered from Reconciliation Australia.
Suggested Activities
Organise a class or school screening of The Apology.
Engage with the reconciliation process by:
- Creating a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Each RAP starts a new conversation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/raps for more information.
- Becoming a Reconciliation Australia (RA) friend on Facebook or MySpace. Search for the RA sites which feature up-to-date information including factsheets, event invitations, media releases and interesting stories.
- Learning more about your State Reconciliation Councils. There's one in each of NSW,VIC,SA,TAS and QLD. They can put you in touch with your local reconciliation group and can give you information on state based activities. Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/srcs for their contact details.
- Visiting the Stolen Generations site and listening to the Sorry Song by Kerry Fletcher. Download the lyrics and sheet music worksheets and learn the song. Perform the song at a school assembly and encourage everyone to sing along with the chorus.
- Downloading further resources to assist you in commemorating the anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations from Reconciliation Australia Home >Get Involved >Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations.
Related Resources
ABC Canberra This website contains highlights of the ABC's comprehensive coverage of how 13th February 2008 was spent at Parliament House in Canberra and at communities around Australia.
Relevant websites to visit
Reconciliation Australia
Get up!
National Sorry Day Committee
Stolen Generations Alliance
Date: 22 January 2009
