Introduction

= = = Introduction to the Stolen Generations =


==Can you imagine? ==  What is going on, why are you taking me away? Where am I going, is there no place to stay? Can you imagine what it must be like? Ripped from your mother’s arms, just a tike. It all happened not so long ago. Taken away forever, at least it seemed so. Can you imagine? No more family, no more home. No warm cuddles, love ’s all gone. Strangers and strangeness, nothing is the same. I was stolen, can you imagine the pain? - J. Bolhuis The tragedy of the ‘Stolen Generations’, is a sad chapter in Australia’s history. Aboriginal children were taken from their families and placed in missions and special homes. In these institutions they were taught how to eat, talk, act and work as white people do. They were stripped of their Aboriginal identity and culture. Why did all of this take place and what exactly happened? What were and are the consequences of these actions? Does any of this effect our lives? These are important questions… questions you will be looking at over the next 4 weeks. But before you go any further read and consider what the Aboriginal people might be asking?

Question Time
 Can anyone answer my question, What did I ever do wrong? Why did you take me from my parents When I was only young. You took me in a black car With balloons all hanging out. Just me and my brother, We didn’t know what this was all about.

We didn’t have a mother To cuddle and kiss good-night. We didn’t have a father To teach us man’s way in life.

A mother and father’s love We never ever shared. Will someone answer our questions Or are some people scared?

- Fred Clark 