Tears for WA Stolen Generations survivors who have waited so long

The national body that supports Stolen Generations survivors and their organisations has welcomed today’s announcement of a redress scheme for Western Australian survivors, following many years of local advocacy.

The Healing Foundation’s CEO and Yawuru woman Shannan Dodson said she felt an overwhelming mixture of emotions for WA Stolen Generations survivors and their families.

“Across Western Australia, survivors and descendants have been fighting tirelessly for years for justice and redress. I pay tribute and honour all the Stolen Generations organisations that have advocated and stood alongside survivors throughout this long journey,” Ms Dodson said.

“No amount of money will make up for the trauma inflicted on Stolen children, but redress is validation of their experience, and some compensation for the pain they’ve suffered,” Ms Dodson said.

Aunty Jenny Day, interim CEO of Sister Kate’s Home Kids Aboriginal Corporation said today’s announcement is “an acknowledgement that we exist”.

“It’s an acknowledgement about the history of poor legislation. The government is finally accepting that it was bad and that it happened. To deny a child to live with family has effects that are intergenerational,” Aunty Jenny said.

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