The paper analyses the forced removals of Indigenous children in Western Australia from their families in the 20th century. Nowadays, this generation of children has become known as "The Stolen Generation" in Australia.
To begin with, the author underlines the importance of “The Stolen Generations” for Australia’s history by highlighting the national “sorry day” in 2008 where the Prime Minister officially apologised to the Indigenous People.
As a starting point, background information about the situation of Indigenous people in Australia is provided. Moreover, racial theories and ideologies that were prevalent in the 20th century are discussed. The relevance of these race questions is exemplified by describing the situation in so-called "mission camps” where many of the removed children were brought up.
Furthermore, the concept and apparent “threat” of the “half-caste” (Indigenous Australians of mixed parentage) is outlined and political, legal and public actions concerning the Indigenous People are presented.
To illustrate the finding, there is a brief analysis of the movie "Rabbit-Proof Fence" by Phillip Noyce and the drama "Stolen" by Jane Harrison.
Moreover, the question of genocide in the context of the United Nations resolution is discussed.
Finally, the author evokes the sensitive topic of compensation funds for the "Stolen Generations" and gives a brief cross-reference to the very similar history in Canada and New Zealand.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction: “sorry day” - Australia's “man's walk on moon”
- 2 Background information about indigenous Australians and their status in society
- 3 Racial theories and the lasting consequences for native Australians
- 4 The half-caste - fear of a “mixed race”
- 4.1 Reasons for its formation and the threat it constituted
- 4.2 Finding a solution
- 5 Political, legal and public actions concerning the indigenous people
- 5.1 The Aborigines Department and its Chief Protector A. O. Neville
- 5.2 The execution of racial ideas with limited resources
- 5.3 Different perspectives on racial philosophy
- 5.4 Noteworthy acts, conferences and reports affecting the lives of Aboriginal people
- 6 Summary of the film “Rabbit-Proof Fence” by Phillip Noyce
- 7 Mission camps – a place to keep the natives
- 7.1 The procedure of being brought to the missions and political ideas
- 7.2 Zooming in on the missions
- 7.2.1 Moore River Native Settlement
- 7.2.2 Sister Kate's Home for Nearly White Children and personal evaluation
- 8 The consequences of removal for the Aboriginal culture and the situation today
- 9 “Stolen” by Jane Harrison - a drama summarising the “Stolen Generations” issue
- 10 The question of genocide
- 11 Compensation and comparison to other Commonwealth states
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide a contextual and explanatory compilation of existing material on the forced removal of Aboriginal children in Western Australia, critically evaluating the historical events and their lasting impact. It focuses on the period from 1900 to the present, examining the government policies, social attitudes, and consequences of these actions.
- The systematic removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
- The role of racial theories and government policies in the removals.
- The impact of the removals on Aboriginal culture and identity.
- The Australian government's apology and its significance.
- The ongoing debate about compensation and reconciliation.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: “sorry day” - Australia's “man's walk on moon”: This chapter introduces the 2008 apology by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations, highlighting the significance of this event in Australian history. It contrasts Rudd's approach with that of his predecessor, John Howard, emphasizing the ongoing debate about the historical narrative and the lasting impact of the forced removals. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper examination of the policies and practices that led to the removal of thousands of Aboriginal children from their families.
2 Background information about indigenous Australians and their status in society: This chapter provides crucial background information on the history of Indigenous Australians, detailing their presence on the continent for over 45,000 years and the devastating impact of European colonization. It discusses the violent conflicts, the introduction of diseases, and the drastic decline in the Aboriginal population, setting the context for the policies and prejudices that would fuel the Stolen Generations.
3 Racial theories and the lasting consequences for native Australians: This chapter delves into the racial theories prevalent during the period of the Stolen Generations, examining how these pseudoscientific beliefs were used to justify the forced removal of Aboriginal children. It explores the long-term consequences of these theories on Aboriginal people, their culture, and their place in Australian society.
4 The half-caste - fear of a “mixed race”: This chapter explores the specific anxieties surrounding Aboriginal people of mixed heritage ("half-caste"). It investigates the reasons for this fear and the measures taken by the government to "solve" the perceived "problem" of mixed-race individuals, further highlighting the discriminatory nature of the policies enacted.
5 Political, legal and public actions concerning the indigenous people: This section provides a detailed examination of the political, legal, and public actions taken concerning Indigenous Australians. It analyzes the role of government departments, like the Aborigines Department and its Chief Protector, A.O. Neville, in implementing policies that led to the removal of children. It also explores differing perspectives on racial philosophies and the impact of various acts, conferences, and reports.
7 Mission camps – a place to keep the natives: This chapter explores the role of mission camps in the forced removal and assimilation of Aboriginal children. It examines the process of removal, the conditions within the camps, and the specific examples of institutions like the Moore River Native Settlement and Sister Kate's Home for Nearly White Children. The chapter details the devastating consequences of this system on Aboriginal culture and family structures.
8 The consequences of removal for the Aboriginal culture and the situation today: This chapter addresses the lasting impact of the Stolen Generations on Aboriginal culture and the current situation. It explores the intergenerational trauma resulting from forced family separation and the ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal communities.
9 “Stolen” by Jane Harrison - a drama summarising the “Stolen Generations” issue: This chapter analyzes Jane Harrison's play "Stolen," examining its portrayal of the Stolen Generations and its contribution to raising awareness about this crucial issue.
10 The question of genocide: This chapter delves into the complex and controversial debate surrounding whether the actions against the Stolen Generations constitute genocide, considering the definition of genocide under international law and the specific historical context.
11 Compensation and comparison to other Commonwealth states: This chapter discusses the issue of compensation for the Stolen Generations, comparing the situation in Western Australia with that of other Australian states and territories.
Keywords
Stolen Generations, Aboriginal Australians, Indigenous Australians, forced removals, racial theories, assimilation, mission camps, intergenerational trauma, government policies, apology, compensation, reconciliation, Western Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to the Stolen Generations in Western Australia
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the forced removal of Aboriginal children in Western Australia, known as the Stolen Generations. It examines the historical context, government policies, social attitudes, and lasting consequences of these actions from 1900 to the present day.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers a wide range of topics, including background information on Indigenous Australians and their societal status, prevalent racial theories and their impact, the fear surrounding "half-caste" individuals, the role of government departments and policies (like the Aborigines Department and A.O. Neville), the experiences in mission camps (such as Moore River Native Settlement and Sister Kate's Home), the consequences for Aboriginal culture, the Australian government's apology, the play "Stolen" by Jane Harrison, the debate surrounding genocide, and the issue of compensation.
What is the significance of "Sorry Day" and the 2008 apology?
The document highlights the 2008 apology by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as a pivotal moment in Australian history, contrasting it with the approach of previous governments and emphasizing the ongoing debate surrounding the historical narrative and the lasting impact of the forced removals.
What role did racial theories play in the Stolen Generations?
The document explores how prevalent pseudoscientific racial theories were used to justify the forced removal of Aboriginal children, analyzing the long-term consequences of these beliefs on Aboriginal people, their culture, and their place in Australian society.
What were the conditions like in mission camps?
The document details the harsh conditions and devastating consequences of the mission camp system, using examples like the Moore River Native Settlement and Sister Kate's Home for Nearly White Children, illustrating their impact on Aboriginal culture and family structures.
What is the lasting impact of the Stolen Generations?
The document discusses the intergenerational trauma resulting from forced family separation and the ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal communities today, highlighting the continuing impact on Aboriginal culture and identity.
What is the significance of Jane Harrison's play, "Stolen"?
The document analyzes Jane Harrison's play, "Stolen," and its role in raising awareness and portraying the experiences of the Stolen Generations.
Is the debate about genocide discussed?
Yes, the document delves into the complex and controversial debate surrounding whether the actions against the Stolen Generations constitute genocide, examining the definition of genocide under international law and the historical context.
What about compensation and reconciliation?
The document addresses the issue of compensation for the Stolen Generations, comparing the situation in Western Australia with that of other Australian states and territories, and exploring the ongoing pursuit of reconciliation.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
Key themes include the systematic removal of Aboriginal children, the role of government policies and racial theories, the impact on Aboriginal culture and identity, the significance of the Australian government's apology, and the ongoing debate about compensation and reconciliation.
What chapters are included in this document?
The document includes chapters covering an introduction, background information on Indigenous Australians, racial theories, the issue of "half-caste" individuals, political and legal actions, mission camps, the consequences of removal, Jane Harrison's play "Stolen," the genocide question, and compensation.
- Citation du texte
- Marvin Hanisch (Auteur), 2009, The Stolen Generations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/174420
