![]() ![]() The training package is designed around trauma-aware, healing-informed principles with a view to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on a healing journey, accessing family records. The Better Access to Stolen Generations Records learning module helps the sector describe the historical background of the Stolen Generations, including information relating to government policies around child removal and highlight the ongoing impacts of these policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, including the recognition of intergenerational trauma. In May this year, The Healing Foundation and the Australian Society of Archivists released a new online education package to assist archivists, information and support workers, new and existing professionals, and students seeking to build specialised skills to support Stolen Generations survivors and their families locate records. This includes the establishment of The Healing Foundation’s Historical Records Taskforce to further the original recommendations of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report and provide advice to government on ensuring better access to historical records. The Healing Foundation has been leading advocacy on better access to records and is well placed to play an ongoing coordination role with governments and organisations to improve and streamline processes and attain national consistency. “Significant work is still required nationally to improve access to records for Stolen Generations survivors,” Ms Cornforth said. “Survivors and their families face multiple and inconsistent processes when seeking their own or their family records, especially as searches often extend across multiple jurisdictions. “Records are managed under different legislation in each State and territory and are administered differently by individual churches and other non-government agencies. “The Bringing Them Home report showed that access to individual and family Stolen Generations records was fundamental to locating and reunifying families, but problems in accessing still persist despite government responses to the report and the best efforts of Stolen Generations organisations. “Survivors can strengthen their belonging and can reunite with biological and original forever family – parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, and community. Ultimately, they are a catalyst for healing. They are often required for accessing redress and reparations schemes, and stemming the tide of intergenerational trauma. “Finding vital family records is at the core of truth telling and healing,” Ms Cornforth said. ![]() The Healing Foundation CEO Fiona Cornforth said that records may contain confronting or incorrect information and may not always tell the full story, but they are an important resource to help survivors find out about and reconnect with family, culture, and country. On International Day for Universal Access to Information, The Healing Foundation is highlighting that timely and supported access to records is a fundamental aspect of healing for Stolen Generations survivors and their families. International Day for Universal Access to Information 28 September 2021 ![]()
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