Personal Acknowledgements for Stolen Generations survivors

Personal Acknowledgements under the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme are transforming senior government officials’ commitment to achieve outcomes for First Nations people and communities.   

A Personal Acknowledgement is an important element of the healing and truth-telling purpose of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. A number of senior government representatives have been trained to engage with Stolen Generations survivors about their personal story of removal and its impact in a formal yet personal exchange. Personal Acknowledgements are very powerful survivor-led events, which means the Stolen Generations survivor can decide if they will have one, and what form it takes, either a face-to-face (individual or group) or written acknowledgement. 

Government officials’ reflections on providing Acknowledgements

"The strength and resilience of survivors is inspiring, and I have been deeply moved by the whole process"

"I found it difficult to write but am very privileged to have had the experience"

Officials who have participated in the process report finding the Personal Acknowledgement to be a challenging but very rewarding experience. Drafting the acknowledgement provides a unique opportunity for government representatives to reflect on the survivor’s story, and carefully consider the questions being asked by the survivor - and ultimately what they can do going forward in their career to support the healing of First Nations people. The Scheme has contributed to the cultural awareness of over 100 senior government representatives who have participated in training for the role. 

To date, all survivors who have participated in a Personal Acknowledgement have found the experience meaningful, and empowering.

Survivor reflections on receiving an Acknowledgement

"I want the letter to recognise and acknowledge my mum and the hardship she endured as she was also stolen. What happened to me stems from my mum being stolen. She missed out on the nurturing love and care of her parents"

"I want to be a voice for the ones who didn't survive because they didn't live long enough to receive anything"

"It has helped me through a lot. We were thinking people didn’t care, you people do care"

Read more about Personal Acknowledgements and the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.

Photo: A Personal Acknowledgement in Darwin, Larrakia country.