Bringing them home
11. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - Common experiences activity sheet
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When HREOC (now the Australian Human Rights Commission) held its national inquiry, it received 777 submissions. Most submissions reported on personal experiences of removal from families and communities. While the stories differed according to the person or place they grew up, many of them had common experiences.
1. Find an example from Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence that relates to the common experiences mentioned in the Bringing them home report. Write this in the right-hand column.
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Personal experience reported to the Bringing them home Inquiry |
Experiences of Molly, Gracie and Daisy in Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence. |
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Children were discouraged from family contact. |
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Children were taught to reject other Aborigines and Aboriginality. |
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Institutional conditions were very harsh. |
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Children’s education was often very basic. |
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Excessive physical punishments were common. |
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Children found happiness with new families. |
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Authorities failed to care for and protect the children. |
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2a. The removal of children had a wide range of effects on Indigenous people and communities. Did the experiences of Molly, Gracie and Daisy affect their lives as children and adults? If so, how?
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2b. Give an example from Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence that relates to each of the effects listed below.
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Effects on individuals and communities reported to Bringing them home Inquiry |
Examples from Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence |
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Loss of heritage |
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Loss of the primary carer in infancy |
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Forcibly removed |
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Indigenous parenting skills undermined |
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The next generations at risk from health issues |
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