How to talk about the National Apology with children?

On February 13, 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous People in parliament. The apology focused primarily on the Stolen Generations and the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities.

As a caregiver you might find yourself wondering how to talk to your child about cultural and historical events in an appropriate way. Maybe your child is asking you questions you are not sure how to answer, or with how much detail.

Finding the best way to answer questions from your young ones can be tricky so, why not try talking it through with a book? Reading an age-appropriate book with your children can be a gentle time to share and talk about difficult things.

Some of the books in the list below may start an important conversation or help you answer some of those tricky questions.

• Come Together (Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First People) by Isaiah Fiebrace and illustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai (2022), published by Hardie Grant Explore: An accessible and engaging informational picture book that teaches all readers important information about the oldest continuing culture on the planet including a clear explanation of the Stolen Generation, Sorry Day, and the National Apology. 
• Found written by Bruce Pascoe and illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (2020), published by Hardie Grant Explore: is a gentle story about a small calf who becomes separated from his family and lost in the bush. The little calf is alone and simply wants his family, but they have been taken away in the back of a noisy truck. So, the little calf goes looking for them.
• Took the Children Away written by Archie Roach AM and illustrated by Ruby Hunter (2020), published Simon & Schuster Australia: is the personal story of when Archie was two years old, and a big black government car came to his home at Framlingham Aboriginal Mission in southwest Victoria and took Archie away from his mother, father, and family. This book puts stark, bold illustrations with the words of Archie Roach’s song from his 1990 debut album, Charcoal Lane. The first song ever to receive a prestigious Australian Human Rights Award.
• Sorry Day written by Coral Vass and illustrated by Dub Leffler (2019), published by National Library of Australia: is set on the day of the National Apology. Maggie waits with her mother in the crowd, waiting to hear the speech from Prime Minister Rudd. In the excitement Maggie drops her mother’s hand and is lost. As she listens to the speech Maggie searches for her mother.

For more information about how you can support your child’s health and wellbeing through sharing stories, visit a First 5 Forever session at your own local library. If you can’t make a session, you can visit the State Library to talk, read, sing and play with your little one. Remember, you’re never too young to be a member of your local library and borrow any of the excellent books in this list to read with your child at home.