Still Bringing Them Home: First Nations Voices Unite to Share Stories of Culture, Family and Healing
Link-Up (Qld) has teamed up with prominent community leaders and role models to encourage Queenslanders to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ongoing impacts of forced child removal on Stolen Generations survivors and descendants.
The Still Bringing Them Home campaign features a range of educational resources, including a new podcast series featuring rugby league player Jayden Campbell, Home and Away actor Kyle Shilling, Aboriginal rights advocate Shannan Dodson, Stolen Generations survivor Mike ‘Big Mike’ Salbro and more.
Still Bringing Them Home Podcast episode one
In the first episode, Mike shares his experience of being removed from his family at just three-months-old and adopted by a Swedish couple in 1980. He reflects on the lasting impacts of growing up separated from his family, culture and Country, including the challenges of rebuilding those connections later in life.
“I missed 20 years of my life. You know, 20 years of my life. And that frustrates me because yeah, I couldn’t do anything about it then,” Mike said on the podcast.
“I still feel disconnected, and it sucks because then I feel guilty. Like I shouldn’t feel this way… I still love my people. I still love my family. But I’m not used to being around them.”
Mike is joined by Reconciliation Queensland Engagement and Education Coordinator Sara Frazer and host Tahj Minniecon, exploring family, identity, culture and the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations.
Still Bringing Them Home Campaign
Link-Up (Qld) CEO Patricia Thompson AM said Mike’s experience highlights why Queensland must do more to acknowledge and address the ongoing impacts of past government policies and practices.
“Queensland is the only state in Australia yet to establish a Stolen Generations redress scheme. Too many people have died without the recognition and support they deserve, and there are now only about 5,000 survivors left in Queensland. They should be able to live their remaining years with dignity, knowing that what happened to them has been properly acknowledged and that Queensland is committed to helping them heal,” Thompson said.
The Still Bringing Them Home campaign aims to increase public understanding of the Stolen Generations and encourage Queenslanders to recognise that the impacts of forced child removal continue to affect survivors, families and communities today.
The campaign also highlights how addressing intergenerational trauma and disadvantage can improve wellbeing, strengthen families and communities, and contribute to a healthier, safer and stronger Queensland for everyone.
Three podcast episodes will be released as part of the campaign, alongside educational resources and opportunities for Queenslanders to learn more and show their support.
Learn more, get involved and show support
Queenslanders are encouraged to get involved, learn more and show your support by visiting www.stillbringingthemhome.com.au.