A new resource kit and education program have been launched at Trangie Central School to shine a light on an often overlooked part of Australia's history.
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The Stolen Generations Resource Kit has been developed by the Healing Foundation in consultation with members of the Stolen Generation, teachers, parents and curriculum writers.
Deputy Principal at Trangie Central School Dimity Trudgett said they were "very honoured" not only to have launched the kit but also to have helped develop the program.
"Jess Skinner and I evaluated it last year, so we got to trial and review the activities with our secondary students," she said.
"Not only us as teachers got to be part of that, but also our students.
"We had different year groups from Year 7 to 9 that trialed different activities. They particularly enjoyed the case studies of real people ...the kids were all really proud and inquisitive."
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The kit has been in the making for almost four years and includes suggested lesson plans and activities for Foundation Year through to Year 9.
The activities draw heavily on the stories, music, dance, art and writing of Stolen Generations members and their descendants and showcase the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
Ms Trudgett said growing up, for herself there was limited learning about the Stolen Generation, but was excited to see children being educated about the truth of what happened in Australia.
She also agreed that the education helps form part of the healing process for the thousands of children who were forcibly removed from their families between 1910 and the 1970s.
"There was very limited learning about the Stolen Generation unfortunately," she said.
"The kids are really excited to be part of this and to learn about the history for all Australians, because it is really important in the healing process for people that are impacted both directly and indirectly and for true reconciliation to happen in this country."
The Healing Foundation's Stolen Generations Reference Committee Chair Ian Hamm was present with member Florence Onus to officially launch the program on Wednesday, speaking of their personal experiences with students.
"It's a very proud moment for us as Stolen children that our stories are going to be told to children who can take that to their children, and adds depth to the Australian narrative and the story of who we are as a country," Mr Hamm said.
"A better understanding of the history of our own country, is important because if we don't know where we're going, how do we know where we're from."
Schools across Australia can visit the Healing Foundations website to access the the Stolen Generations Resource Kit.
To mark the launch of these important new resources, The Healing Foundation is offering $700 micro grants for schools to hold events about the Stolen Generations between National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week 2019. To find out more or apply visit www.healingfoundation.org.au/schools
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
