Since the time of federation, indigenous peoples have fought for their rights through demonstrations, strikes and the famous “day of mourning”. However, over the past century, the Australian federal government has developed policies that manage and restrict the rights, citizenship and general protection of indigenous peoples. The Australian government policy that has had the most significant impact on Indigenous Australians is the policy of assimilation. The reasons behind this include the influences the Stolen Generation had on Indigenous Australians, their relegated rights and voting rights and the impact this policy had on Australia's Indigenous people. The policy of assimilation was a policy that existed between the 1940s and 1970s, and replaced that of protectionism. Its aim was to ensure that all people of Aboriginal and mixed blood lived as “white” Australians. This established practice of removing Aboriginal (usually mixed-blood) children from their homes was intended to raise them without their culture, and they were encouraged to forget their Aboriginal heritage. Children were placed in institutions where they could be “trained” to take their place in white society. During the era of assimilation, Aboriginal people were required to receive an education to become full citizens and have access to public education, housing and services. However, more often than not, Aboriginal people did not enjoy equal rights and opportunities. For example, their wages were generally lower than those paid to white workers and they were often not recognized for the role they played in the defense of Australia and their contribution to the war. the cattle industry. It was not until the early 1960s that spending was... middle of article ......y.By Rachael KearneyWorks Cited “Today we honor the indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest cultures in human history. We reflect on their past mistreatment. We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were the Stolen Generations – this tainted chapter in our nation's history. Now is the time for the nation to turn a new page in Australia's history by righting the wrongs of the past and moving confidently into the future. We apologize for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments which have inflicted deep pain, suffering and loss on our fellow Australians” (apology from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, 16 November 2009, Parliament House, Canberra.) “I want A little fair play if you are so kind as to see on my behalf" (http://www.abc.net.au/civics/democracy/struggle.htm, 2001).