Leaders honour Stolen Generations at National Apology anniversary
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
BY SIMONE WORTHING
“On this anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, I want to say, ‘Thank you, we love you, and I am, and we are, sorry,” said Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at the annual National Apology to the Stolen Generations breakfast at Parliament House, Canberra, on 13 February.
“Saying sorry is so important ... I am genuinely grateful for our Indigenous Ministries team in The Salvation Army, who we stand with absolutely.”
Salvation Army leaders joined more than 130 Stolen Generations survivors from around Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor General Sam Mostyn, and other guests at the breakfast on Thursday 12 February.
This year was the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
On 13 February 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, on behalf of the nation at Australian Parliament House. The annual breakfast began in 2009*.
Delegates at the breakfast (centre); Major Stuart Glover (right) attended the event.
Ongoing process
“It was confronting and challenging to hear the stories of mob who had endured the policies and practices that resulted in the Stolen Generation,” said Major Stuart Glover, Assistant Chief Secretary – Business, and a proud member of the Bundjalung Nation.
“It reminded me again of the need for us as a Salvation Army to join others in the Australian community in the beautiful but challenging process of reconciliation and truth-telling that must lead to real tangible change in our communities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We need to do this both at the territorial, but also at the local level.”
Colonels John and Lani Chamness – The Salvation Army Australia’s new Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development, also attended the breakfast.
“Lani and I were seated at a table with four survivors,” said John. “As we listened to them and others, we were both grateful and deeply saddened. Grateful to see how they have overcome many very difficult circumstances and how, despite all that was done to them, these were overcomers. Somehow, they have found the will to move on.
“We were also deeply saddened that people experienced such deep trauma in their lives. While we could listen to them, it would be impossible for us to ever understand what has been taken from them and the depth of pain they held.
“Experiencing this apology breakfast helps to give us the resolve necessary to stand with all peoples that have experienced abuse to stand with them. To acknowledge and recognise them and their stories, we hope brings healing and helps us all to strive towards building bridges of reconciliation.”
*The National Apology Breakfast is a significant event that honours the Stolen Generations and their resilience. The breakfast serves as a platform for reflection, education, and support, acknowledging the historical injustices and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Stolen Generations and their families, who continue to seek healing and recognition for their contributions to Australia’s history.
A personal reflection – Auntie Sue Hodges (Reconciliation Action Plan and Projects Manager - Secondment)
The morning was full of anticipation and emotion as we gathered for the 18th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
Our Salvation Army delegation met at 6.30am, and I chose to wear my soldier’s uniform so mob could see that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are part of the Salvos – working, volunteering, leading, worshipping.
The moment I arrived, connection happened. My cousin Kim from Wellington and I shared a long hug. Then an Aboriginal woman named Claire came straight up to me saying, “I saw your Salvos shirt and had to say hello.” Her late father had been with the Salvos, and in just minutes we shared so much story.
During the presentation, my uncle texted asking where I was. When I told him I was at Parliament House, he said, “Did you tell them I was part of the Stolen Generation?”I said, “I tell everybody.” He replied, “Good.” That moment meant everything – his story deserves to be known.
It was deeply moving to see so many Salvation Army leaders present – including Order of the Founder recipient Uncle Vince Ross and Aunty Enid, commissioners, territorial leaders, and Shirli Congoo, our general manager from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team. Their presence mattered.
Watching the footage from 2008, seeing the faces of those who have since passed, I felt proud that they were honoured so beautifully.
Today gave me hope. I truly feel The Salvation Army is becoming fair dinkum about reconciliation – listening, learning, and taking us seriously.
This is the way.
Click through the slideshow below for more photos:
