INS100001 Assignment 1 Research Essay

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Assignment 1: Research Essay Eliza Ryan 623576x INS10001: Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences Due date: 18 th August 2023 eLA: Dr Samuel Teague Learning Group: 04 Word Count : 1500 words

The issue of the ‘Stolen Generation’ is controversial in contemporary Australian society. Discuss the history of this issue, including the role of colonialism, and whether these factors are still current. Introduction The history of Australia’s ‘Stolen Generations’ runs deeps; there is a painful and dreadful chapter in the nation's past, resulting in the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, cultures, and communities (Haebich, 2011). "Forgetting Indigenous Histories: Cases from the History of Australia’s Stolen Generations" by Professor Anna Haebich highlights Australia’s shameful history and the ongoing repercussions of colonisation (Haebich, 2011). Bianca Nogrady's article, "Trauma of Australia’s Indigenous ‘Stolen Generations’ is still affecting children today," highlights the enduring consequences of this dark period, the mistreatment and forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations (Nogrady, 2023). Robert van Krieken's article delves into the traumatic impact of this historical atrocity and its resonance in contemporary times (Krieken, 2010). Clare Bradford’s article, “The Stolen Generations of Australian: Narratives of Loss and Survival” provides insight into the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the enduring effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities (Bradford, 2020). One of the critical debates that continues to shape Australian society is whether colonialism still maintains its dominance within Indigenous cultures (Bradford, 2020). This essay attempts to unpack the deep-seated trauma of the Stolen Generations and the far reaching implications of cultural genocide (Krieken, 2010).This essay explores the historical context of the Stolen Generations, shedding light on the role of colonialism, and examines whether these factors continue to exert influence on present-day Indigenous communities. This essay examines the inter-generational trauma caused by the Stolen Generations, examining the challenges faced by children living with adults who were forcibly separated from their families and the factors within society today (Nogrady, 2023). This essay will examine the historical context of the Stolen Generations, examining the role of colonialism in their creation, and examining whether the factors contributing to this injustice still remain present (Haebich, 2011). This essay sheds light on the persistence of these challenges and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to overcome the repercussions (Nogrady, 2023). The Stolen Generations and the Role of Colonialism. Australia’s Stolen Generations were characterised by government policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Europe (Haebich, 2011). From the late 1800s to the mid-20th century,

Australian government policies aimed to reintroduce Indigenous children into European culture by removing them from their families (Nogrady, 2023). This systemic practice was fuelled by a colonial approach that sought to eliminate Indigenous cultures and promote European dominance (Nogrady, 2023). The consequences of this brutal policy, however, are far beyond the time frame when it was enforced (Nogrady, 2023). This approach was rooted in the wider context of colonialism, which sought to eliminate Indigenous cultures and establish dominance over the land (Haebich, 2011). The European settlers viewed their culture as superior, resulting in a deliberate effort to eliminate Indigenous languages, traditions, and ways of life (Haebich, 2011). Such perspectives underpinned policies that led to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, this systemic removal aimed at assimilating these children into white society, erasing their culture identity and perpetuating colonial dominance (Bradford, 2020). The Stolen Generations were a manifestation of this colonial mentality, aiming to sever Indigenous children's ties to their heritage and forcibly integrate them into Western society (Haebich, 2011). As highlighted by Nogrady, the Stolen Generations' trauma has transformed generations, affecting the well-being and development of the descendants of those who were forcibly removed (Nogrady, 2023). These effects are based on the concept of intergenerational trauma, whereby the psychological and emotional scars of one generation are transmitted to subsequent generations through various mechanisms, such as family dynamics and cultural disparity (Nogrady, 2023). The Stolen Generations' trauma can contribute to higher rates of mental health disorders among their descendants, resulting in a cycle of emotional distress and instability (Nogrady, 2023). The forced removal of children meant there was a disconnection to Indigenous culture, language, and traditions in an attempt to force Indigenous children into European culture (Nogrady, 2023). This disconnection continues to impact subsequent generations' sense of identity and belonging (Nogrady, 2023). The trauma and cultural dislocation experienced by descendants may hinder educational attainment and socioeconomic advancement, perpetuating systemic inequalities (Nogrady, 2023). The Stolen Generations emerged from a complex network of colonial ideologies, racial hierarchies, and cultural supremacy (Krieken, 2010). As European powers exerted their power on Australian soil, they sought to assert control over the Indigenous population (Krieken, 2010). The Continuing Legacy of Colonialism. Although the Stolen Generations officially ended in the mid-20th century, the colonial legacy persists in various forms, affecting the lives of Indigenous people today (Krieken, 2010).

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