Apology 10

Overview

On Tuesday, February 13, exactly ten years will have passed since Kevin Rudd, then Prime Minister, apologised to Australia's Indigenous people on behalf of the nation. To mark the anniversary, a free concert is happening on the front lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, starring Queensland guitarists Busby Marou, Aria Award–winning singer Archie Roach, folk musician Shellie Morris, dance duo Electric Fields and pop band The Preatures. Acting as hosts will be Aboriginal comedian Steven Oliver and TV and radio presenter Myf Warhurst.

"For many Elders [the Apology] was an emotional event and it is one worth celebrating," says Torres Strait Islander Jeremy Marou, one half of Busby Marou. "Ten years on, sadly, I feel words are not enough." He hopes the concert will boost awareness of intergenerational trauma and energise the reconciliation process. Legendary singer-songwriter Archie Roach says, "the tenth anniversary will bring attention to the fact that there is much more work to be done, and that all Australians can work together to heal the past."

The concert is the work of the Healing Foundation, a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that, since 2009, has been working on healing trauma through culture and community. Running from 6–10pm, the concert is a chance for Australians to acknowledge what happened to the Stolen Generation and to celebrate the strong culture of the nation's First People. And, while it is an alcohol-free event, concertgoers can purchase snacks and refreshments from a handful of food stalls on site. They're also encouraged to arrive at 5.30pm to grab a spot before the concert kick offs at 6pm.

Image: Andrew Rosenfeldt, Apology 6, 2014