Title:

Is Saying Sorry Enough? Confronting the Enduring Legacies of Settler-state Colonialisms Atrocities against Indigenous Populations I

Description:

On 13 February, 2008, the Prime Minister and Parliament of Australia apologized for "for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow [Aboriginal] Australians." Prime Minister Rudd's apology was televised to the nation and carried by news networks around the globe. Less than two weeks later, the Senate of the United States issued a similar apology, hidden within the language of a bill reauthorizing the Indian Health Service. This time there was no publicity; even most Native Americans remain unaware that the apology was issued. Are these apologies, like those issued by the New Zealand Crown in Treaty of Waitangi claim settlements, creating a policy of reconciliation? As South Africa has demonstrated, 'truth and reconciliation' can be a useful process for a society attempting to grapple with the legacies of colonialism's atrocities but is saying sorry enough? Can these apologies effect real change to the enduring inequalities of settler-state societies? This call for papers seeks presentations which will explore various issues related to settler-state apologies for their participation in atrocities against Indigenous peoples. On 13 February, 2008, the Prime Minister and Parliament of Australia apologized for "for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow [Aboriginal] Australians." Prime Minister Rudd's apology was televised to the nation and carried by news networks around the globe. Less than two weeks later, the Senate of the United States issued a similar apology, hidden within the language of a bill reauthorizing the Indian Health Service. This time there was no publicity; even most Native Americans remain unaware that the apology was issued. Are these apologies, like those issued by the New Zealand Crown in Treaty of Waitangi claim settlements, creating a policy of reconciliation? As South Africa has demonstrated, 'truth and reconciliation' can be a useful process for a society attempting to grapple with the legacies of colonialism's atrocities but is saying sorry enough? Can these apologies effect real change to the enduring inequalities of settler-state societies? This call for papers seeks presentations which will explore various issues related to settler-state apologies for their participation in atrocities against Indigenous peoples.

Anticipated Attendance:

75

Organizers:

Chairs:

Participants:

Sponsorships:

Indigenous Peoples Specialty Group; Ethics, Justice, and Human Rights Specialty Group; Cultural Geography Specialty Group