Today marks the fifteenth anniversary of the National Apology

Today marks the fifteenth anniversary of the National Apology.

On 13 February 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a formal apology on behalf of the Federal Government, to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, in particular to the Stolen Generations who suffered as a result of past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.

The journey to National Apology commenced with the 'Bringing Them Home' report, which included the findings and recommendations of a National Inquiry prompted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1995.

Words from former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on this day fifteen years ago: "We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country."

Today, and every other day, we acknowledge the survival and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their continuous cultures, heritage and connections to the land which spans more than 60,000 years.You can read or watch the full apology, and find out more here: Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples | Indigenous.gov.au

Image source: SBS NITV