Today began like any other day, but I think I can honestly say that for me and many other Australians it ended on a phenomenal high. I experienced today, something extremely foreign to me. I felt a swell of pride for my country, pride for the leaders of my country and pride for my fellow aussies.

Today was the public apology to the Stolen Generation of the indigenous population of our country for the atrocities inflicted upon them, the decimation of family structures and communities and the loss of culture, language and personal identity that occurred as a result of a number of detrimental government policies, enforcing the removal of ‘half caste’ children from their families and placing them in camps, orphanages and institutions.

The heavy burden of guilt and shame that has been carried by many who call Australia their home has been lifted and never have I felt such hope and altruism for the future of our country as an inclusive, embracing and multicultural melting pot.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd spoke succintly, powerfully and purposefully, weighted with the responsibility of the decisions our predecessors had made. It is only through honestly and openly discussing these hideous events marring our history that we can begin to heal, and walk forward together: indigenous and non-indigenous. We have a long way to go, but for the first time in my life, I believe in a government that supports all, a government that provides equal access and opportunities and takes responsibility for decisions that affect a nation.

Today, I am proud to say that I am an Australian.