The Stolen Generations and Self-Determination

The Stolen Generation is a term which refers to the number of Indigenous children who were mostly forcibly removed from their parents between 1900 and 1970's. It is thought that around 10,000 children were removed from their homes in NSW alone. They were either placed with white families church missions, Aboriginal camps or sometimes correction institutions. They usually received little education and had to work long hours. While the policy was implemented under the guise of being in the best interests of the indigenous children, it was rarely was contact with their biological families and traditional cultures was discouraged, they were not allowed to speak their native language and the practice of traditional culture was banned. Some were victims of physical and sexual abuse.

The experiences of these stolen children varied, depending on where they were sent. Their destination was largely based on skin colour. Lighter skinned children were adopted out to white homes. Many other children were sent to government institutions such as Kinchela Boys Home or Cootamundra Girls Home- their treatment was often very cruel, some were whipped, starved, humiliated and shamed into submission. Many were forced to do hard physical labour.

While some stolen children have fond memories of their adoptive parents or homes, a greater number of them suffered a sharply contrast experience. For many, there have been tragic repercussions. Many of them feel that they have lost their own identity. They feel they don’t belong in either Aboriginal or white society. Much of the 'Stolen Generation' suffers mental and emotional problems. This has led to higher rates of depression, crime, violence, abuse of alcohol and drugs and also suicide. It is common for them to mistrust others, especially authorities and officials,I' as well as to have low levels of self-esteem and increased