Cover title. European settlement of Australia had devastating effects on Aboriginal people. The emphasis of the respective laws introduced by governments brought about the systematic removal of thousands of Aboriginal children from their families, traumatising many generations. Difficulties in administering the laws, due to remoteness and isolation in South Australia and the Northern Territory, led to improper interpretation by local service providers, which often resulted in trickery and the forced removal of children. Separation led to placements far away from their family homes. Some were sent to institutions, some to missions and others to foster or adoptive care. Not only were they isolated from their families and their country, they were forbidden to speak their language or continue with any practice that was thought to maintain the culture of their people. Often they were not told of their Aboriginality but were told that they were Greek, Italian, Maori or a descendant of some other culture. (From foreword.)
Includes bibliographical references (p. 31)