Investing in Stolen Generations leadership

To mark the second anniversary of the Apology to Indigenous Australians, the Rudd Government will invest $585,000 in the leadership skills of the Stolen Generations to support them as positive role models in the community.

As part of this package, the Government will provide 10 scholarships totalling $81,000, for members of the Stolen Generations to undertake a Certificate II in Indigenous Leadership at the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre.

This course will teach participates how to work effectively in a business environment, and build skills in advocacy, good governance, network building and leadership.

This funding will also help promote the development of current and emerging Indigenous leaders by providing:

• $230,000 for a National Stolen Generations Indigenous Leadership Program, to be launched during this year's NAIDOC week, where participants will have the chance to meet with other Indigenous people from diverse backgrounds and get involved in leadership activities, one-on-one and group discussions;
• $274,000 for capacity development workshops to be held around the country to educate organisations working with or advocating on behalf of the Stolen Generations;
• Supporting local events around the country to mark the Second Anniversary of the National Apology, from community barbeques and concerts, to talking circles and footy games; and
• The launch of the Bringing Them Home Oral History Project webpage, which will see up to 60 oral histories made available online, giving the community greater access to these recordings and ensuring the ongoing preservation of the Stolen Generation's stories.

Two years ago tomorrow, on behalf of the nation, the Prime Minister said sorry to Indigenous Australians, in particular the Stolen Generations, for the great wrongs and injustices of the past.

We recognise that apologising for the wrongs of the past was only the first step towards re-setting the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

This new leadership program will assist members of the Stolen Generations continue their journey of healing and also become inspirational leaders for their children and their children's children.

The Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre will be seeking applications for the Stolen Generations' scholarships shortly.