SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH WELCOME THE PROMISE OF AN APOLOGY
Press Release February 8 2008
The Sisters of St Joseph across Australia welcome the Government’s decision to deliver an apology to the members of the Stolen Generations.
Speaking of behalf of Josephite Leaders and over 1,200 Josephite Sisters nationally, Sr Katrina Brill said ‘We, along with many Australians, have been waiting a long time to hear the word ‘Sorry’.
“We rejoice with Aboriginal people in their anticipation and obvious delight at the Government’s decision to deliver an apology next Wednesday,” Sr Katrina said.
‘We commend the Government on the process of open and consultative dialogue with Aboriginal people in the lead up to this historic step.
“This positive relationship displays a respect that enables on-going cooperation and engenders a spirit of hope for healing and reconciliation,” she said.
“We recognise the significance of the apology being the first item of business of the new Parliament, and endorse its underlying message of empathy, compassion and understanding of the pain and trauma experienced by the Stolen Generations, their families and their communities.
“This long overdue acknowledgement is a first necessary step in the process of putting things right, in working towards a better relationship with Aboriginal people,” Sr Katrina said.
Sr Katrina said the bridges that will be built through saying ‘Sorry’ will allow a healing process to begin that will lead to progress in other very important areas in Indigenous affairs. It will create, in new ways, opportunities for partnerships with Aboriginal people to address the many areas of their disadvantage.
“We feel enlivened and greatly encouraged by the events forecast for the coming week, and by other announcements that have been made in relation to Aboriginal affairs. We encourage the Government through the Minister’s office to stay in close contact with Aboriginal people, who, in spite of the great difficulties they have faced over generations, have never ceased struggling to advance their people.
‘The Sisters of St Joseph see the apology as an important step towards achieving a justly reconciled Australia, a step towards an Australian identity based on the entire story of this most ancient land,” Sr Katrina concluded.
The Sisters of St Joseph live and work in Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley, Coober Pedy, central western New South Wales, regional Victoria and South Australia, and among communities in most capital cities.
8 February 2008 Congregation Leader, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, North Sydney
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