Identity is something we all build naturally over time, shaped by family, culture and community. But for Stolen Generations survivors and descendants, that process can be far more challenging.
Past government policies and practices of forced removal interrupted the foundations of identity including connection to family, country and culture – the essential building blocks that most people take for granted. This created a deep sense of loss, with the impacts echoing through families as intergenerational trauma. As a result, many have been left to navigate life with unanswered questions and a feeling of not truly belonging. The process of reconnecting with that heritage is therefore a vital and powerful act, restoring a sense of self and community that was wrongfully taken away.
We caught up with a few Stolen Generations survivors and descendants recently, to hear their thoughts on the importance of identity…
Greg, a Link-Up (Qld) client, was adopted into a loving non-Indigenous family as a child. But something always felt missing.
“I always felt in my heart that I wasn’t meant to be in this place… My children were asking me, ‘Dad, who are we? Where do we come from?’”
After years of searching, Greg connected with Link-Up (Qld), who helped trace and reunite him with his family.
“It gave my children their identity. It gave me identity. A way to move forward in our life.”
For others like Lynne, the journey is deeply personal and generational.
“My mother never spoke about being Aboriginal because she was part of the Stolen Generations. I needed to identify with my people, purely because my mum didn’t get that chance… Now that I’ve found them, they’re part of my life and that will never leave me.”
The loss of identity caused by removal policies has long-lasting effects. But so does rediscovery.
“I grew up without an identity,” Paul shared. “That was taken away by past government regulations and discriminatory bureaucrats. But I stayed strong… I found out who I was and where I came from… I’m a person of two nations and I feel proud about that.”
Some don’t start the journey until later in life, but it’s never too late.
“Now I’m happy that I can go anywhere and have a conversation with somebody and feel at home,” said Phyllis. “That is why identity has become important to me. Without identity, we’re nothing.”
Link-Up (Qld) helps Stolen Generations survivors and descendants reunite with family, country and culture. Our core service is tracing family history and organising reunions – whether in person, at a gravesite, or on traditional country.
We work closely with each client to carefully research family records and documents, trace living relatives and connections, organise and support reunion travel, and provide one-on-one guidance through a dedicated caseworker. All services are free and confidential, and available to people aged 18 and over who were forcibly removed as a result of past government policies and practices. After your reunion, we continue to walk alongside you. Clients are offered follow-up support sessions with our Social and Emotional Wellbeing team, and invited to regular events and healing activities.
Click here to learn more about our free Stolen Generations Research and Reunion service.
Published August 2025.