Just another reason why it made sense to vote Labor over the Liberal/National Coaltion. Howard always refused to commit to an apology to the 'stolen generation', I suspect mostly because it might have incurred some financial loss to the ruling class.
Here's what's happening in Perth tomorrow:
WA marks apology from Perth to Oombulgurri
12th February 2008, 14:30 WST
Thousands are expected to celebrate on Perth’s Swan river foreshore and in Aboriginal communities across Western Australia tomorrow as the federal government apologises to the stolen generations.
Big screens are being set up around the state, including eight at the Esplanade in Perth, to broadcast the historic apology which begins at 7am tomorrow.
The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council says it is preparing to provide breakfast for 2,000 before and during the live and repeat broadcasts.
The live broadcast will be over before WA schools start for the day, but the State School Teachers’ Union of Western Australia says it is encouraging teachers to participate in the occasion by discussing it with students.
Events are being held around the state, including at the far northern Aboriginal community of Oombulgurri and in Halls Creek, where a lunch will be held for members of the stolen generations.
A planned ceremony in Broome may be cancelled if a tropical low off the coast develops into a tropical cyclone.
WA Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts noted Aboriginal children were still being taken away from their parents in the 1960s and 1970s.
“Saying sorry will not end our nation’s responsibility towards its indigenous citizens,” Ms Roberts said.
WA Equal Opportunity Commissioner Yvonne Henderson said an apology recognised the institutionalised racial discrimination that once existed in Australia.
“An apology is an essential step in the conciliation process so that the healing may begin,” Ms Henderson said.
The WA government apologised to Aboriginal people in 1997.
AAP
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=58238
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