Resisting policies
This information was prepared by Tim Muirhead, CSD Network. Tim is a Perth-Based facilitator and trainer who works extensively in the area of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations.
Most of these direct killings had stopped by the early 20th Century. But a new 'front' was created – policies of control, segregation and repression supposedly 'for the care and protection of Aboriginal people'1.
One of the most devastating outcomes of these policies was the forced removal of children.
These policies were resisted in a myriad of ways. Many families simply avoided towns so that their children would not be taken by the authorities. Others had hiding places ready for the children, whenever the police or other authorities came near. Some missions and local authorities worked to protect families and children from the authorities, by taking the families in and ensuring that the children kept in contact with their parents2.
One example of resistance to these policies is told in the book 'Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence'3 - an account of three girls who were taken from their family in Jiggalong (near Newman) and placed in Moore River settlement (near Moora) in Western Australia, as part of the efforts to 'breed out' Indigenous culture. The girls escaped from Moore River and walked 1,600 km across hostile country – a greater distance than many of our celebrated explorers.
The book was written by Doris Pilkington, the daughter of one of the girls. It was based on her mother's memories, and carefully researched using the government records of the time.
It was later made into an internationally acclaimed movie – 'Rabbit Proof Fence' which is readily available on DVD.
Another great Australian film which captures the issues of resistance and colonisation, Babakiueria, is outlined and previewed below.
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Overview |
Babakiueria |
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Director |
Don Featherstone |
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Writer |
Geoffrey Atherden |
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Genre |
Drama |
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Plot summary |
Have you ever thought how Australia would be today if it had been colonised by Aborigines and not the British? BabaKiueria is a humorous look at that scenario, skilfully written by Geoffrey Atherden with excellent direction by Don Featherstone. In this role reversal nothing is left out – historical events such as the removal of children, the land rights debate, the creation of government reserves are all cleverly presented from a black perspective. A challenging but humorous short film, it is a must see for all Australians, especially those who want to see the world through Indigenous eyes. |
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Cast |
Michelle Torres as Duranga Manika |
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Other |
Geoffrey Atherden was awarded the United Nations Media Peace Prize for this film. |
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