Page 8 - Indiginous Australians

Mary Alp
generations of children removed under this policy became known as the Stolen
Results of causes 1,2,3,4 – can be seen in Population figures.
In 1788 the estimated number of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders was approximately 770,000. By 1900 the figure had fallen to 117,000 - a decline of approximately 84%.
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The impact of colonization on Indigenous people - the loss of land, the associated violence, population decline, loss/disruption of culture, & harsh policies such as the forced removal of children - can in part be measured by what is referred to as Intergenerational trauma – a situation which still impacts many Indigenous Australian communities today. This trauma is defined as – trauma that has been passed down from the first generation of survivors who directly experienced or witnessed traumatic events to future generations. This historical trauma can also be compounded by instances of new trauma. The result of this intergenerational trauma can be seen in the high rates of poor health, mental health problems, addiction, incarceration, domestic violence, self- harm & suicide. While there have been many government attempts in later years with policies affecting housing, education, health, employment & unfortunately incarceration to address this trauma, success in healing has been very limited. The current programs are
20 ‘Early Colonial Attitudes’ in Australians Together; ‘White Australia’, Ibid; ‘In the Name of Protection’, Ibid; The Stolen Generation’ Ibid. (the sources used here are vast – from current electronic to older anthropological sources such as Stanner).
21 abs.gov.au ‘Aboriginal population’; ‘Aboriginal Australians’, National geographic; ‘Aboriginal population figures’ Creative Spirits; ‘Census 2017: ‘Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population’.
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the horror & effects of this policy.
Generation.
A look at the movie Rabbit Proof Fence movie will give some idea of
By 2016 the number had risen back up to approximately 800,000 people.
CULTURE DISRUPTION/LOSS – Intergenerational trauma