Is it true?

One of my units that I took this semester was called Sociocultural Perspectives on health. And yes, it is a bit of a mouthfull!

It's called a bit of a 'nothing' unit as it is basically just common sense. As a nurse/health professional we are going to come into contact with people of other cultures, and we need to have a bit of an understanding that all cultures have different views on health.

For one of the assignments we had to choose a country or developing nation and look into how social determinants have affected that people groups health. I had too many ideas running around my head, and in the end I went for the easy option (or so I thought) of the Australian Aboriginal/Indigenous population of our country.

Now, I'm not going to bore you with what I wrote and all the facts and info, but one of the things I came across was the 'Stolen Generation'. And I have found that whenever this topic is brought up, it brings about fierce debate. Especially amongst Chrisitans!! One of the most interesting viewpoints I have come across is that it didn't happen and it's all lies!

I thought I might bring this up on my blog just to see what other people's thoughts are on the matter, as it seems to be quite an interesting and endless topic of discussion!

Before doing any research on the subject, I was a bit of a fence-sitter. I was probably more-so on the side of intolerance however. I believed that it happened, but from there on I didn't really (and still don't really) have a set or concrete view on it.

One of the advised or recommended extra research tools for the subject was to watch Rabbit Proof Fence - after watching it I'm not sure what it has to do with health, but it was interesting none the less. The most standout scene for me was watching the 3 girls removed from their family. Whether this is an accurate representation or not, to watch this as a parent is heart-wrenching. I cannot imagine what I would do if I were ever to be forcibly separated from my children. You can watch the scene I am talking about here on this link.

I don't think anyone can deny the truth of the 'Stolen Generations'. I believe it happened. Considering the all documents of the legislations held in WA at the time. You can't disproove history I don't think. Here is another link which is really interesting if you have time to flick through and read.

I guess I'm really interested in people's thoughts out there. Particularly how people feel we should approach this as Chrisitans. I really have no idea. I believe we need to show grace, and I believe we need to be compassionate, but after that I don't know! Should K.Rudd have done the apology? What good did it bring about? I'm white, so I have no idea!! And maybe that is the problem. I'm not from the 'Stolen Generation', I don't know what it is like to be removed from family and placed under the 'care' of others who are trying to 'breed out' my heritage.

I don't know, I really don't know. I hope I don't come across racist or anything, it's just one of those topics that I am really questioning at this moment, and I would love to hear any feedback people feel open enough to share.