Examines the history of the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Western Australia, highlighting policies and practices that led to the removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
Initial Contact
1829: British settlers establish Swan River Colony, leading to conflict with Indigenous peoples.
1837: British Select Committee report leads to appointment of protectors, aligned with settlers.
1850: Protector role abolished until 1886; settlers took law into own hands.
1860s-1880s: Expansion into Kimberley; reliance on Indigenous labor.
Church-run schools open, later close due to financial issues and disease.
The 1905 Act
1904 Inquiry by Dr. W E Roth exposes abuses in the north.
Recommendations lead to the Aborigines Act 1905: Chief Protector becomes guardian of all Aboriginal children under 16.
Missions established to remove children from families, focusing on assimilation into European society.
Native Settlements
Protests lead to establishment of isolated native settlements.
Chief Protector A O Neville advocates for assimilation, separating children from families.
Settlements seen as a means to "absorb" Indigenous children into non-Indigenous society.
Missions
Missions collaborated to remove children, teaching them trades, preparing them for work.
Biological Absorption
1930s: Neville promotes assimilation through "absorption" of mixed descent children.
Policy based on skin color and gradual integration into white society.
Opposition and Dissent
Public backlash against removal of children; Royal Commission investigates condition of Aborigines.
Critics argue removal based on cost, not welfare.
Sister Kate's Home
Established in early 1930s for "half-caste" children.
Operated until 1974, with government funding.
Assimilation Policy
1940s-50s: Shift from "absorption" to "assimilation".
Government settlements transferred to mission control.
Indigenous children integrated into state schools.
Impact and Legacy
Ongoing practices of child removal under welfare acts.
"Destitution" and "neglect" used as justification for removals.
Cultural dislocation and psychological trauma for removed children.
Personal Accounts
Accounts from Indigenous individuals highlight personal trauma, loss of family and culture.
Stories of abuse and neglect in institutions reveal systemic issues.
Towards Self-Management
1970s: Move towards self-management and reduced child removals.
Establishment of Aboriginal Child Care agencies and principles to prioritize Indigenous caregivers.