A new stolen generation?

Dear Friends,
 Rev Djiniyini Gondarra is asking for the support of all of us who had the privilege of hearing him speak in December last at the Human Rights gathering at the Pilgrim Church in Adelaide – a rare interstate appearance for him in recent years.

There is concern Australia wide, including in our own South Australia, of the number of Aboriginal children who are being regularly removed from family. In the NT, as Rev Djiniyini's ( attached) letter points out 'Since the Intervention started in 2007, we've seen family support services almost disappear, whilst more and more of our children are being taken away by child protection services.' (Two thirds to non -Aboriginal families. )

Rev Djiniyinyi is asking we support his letter to the Chief Minister Adam Giles with our own brief email - Chief.Minister@nt.gov.au, letter GPO Box 3146 Darwin NT 0801 or phone call to 08 8928 6500.

 - using Point(s) ( made in a conciliatory tone) from his own letter -
*We need more family support programmes in every community run by Aboriginal people. *When there are problems, we need ways to bring together those in the community who can offer support through family group conferencing.
*Together we can find better ways to keep our children safe …(with) kinship care placements and direct negotiation and resolution with parents, extended family and clan leaders of those children reported or found to be at risk. We have our own protective measures in our society and they should be used.
*Let us work together to address the underlying causes of our situation, and build a safe and healthy future that empowers and uplifts our people, for generations to come.

 Message via Dr Alitya Rigney Kaurna/Narrunga Elder ['I agree very strongly with all Dr Djiniyini is saying.'] and Michele Madigan