Archie Roach launches resources for schools about the Stolen Generations

Uncle Archie Roach spent three months speaking to a number of other Stolen Generations survivors about culture, identity and healing and has now included those conversations as part of a new resource for educators around the country.

Archie Roach with his new book, Took The Children Away Source: Archie Roach

Over three months during COVID-19 lockdowns, Uncle Archie Roach has gathered the stories of Elders from around the country with a view to developing an educational resources about the Stolen Generations. 

The Archie Roach Stolen Generations Educational Resources filmed conversations with Stolen Generations survivors talking about big issues like cultural identity, truth-telling, healing through story and the arts, and the intergenerational impacts of the Stolen Generations that are felt to this day. 

Aunty Lorraine Peeters (Weilwun/Gamilaroi), Aunty Eva Jo Edwards (Boonwurrung/Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta), Uncle Syd Jackson (Wongai/raised on Noongar Country), Uncle Jack Charles (Boonwurrung/DjaDja Wurrung) and Aunty Iris Bysouth (Barkindji) all shared their stories with Uncle Archie.

The resources, intended for teachers to use in the school curriculum, have been hosted by ABC Education and are free to access. 

The launch of the resources has also coincided with a new release of a picture-book edition of Uncle Archie's song, Took The Children Away.

The picture book has been illustrated with paintings by Uncle Archie's late partner and collaborator, Aunty Ruby Hunter. 

“My hope is to see my books in every school and library around the country so that our young people can hear and read our stories, our history and our culture as told by us,” said Uncle Archie. 

“Young people need to understand that the Stolen Generations is an Australian story; it’s part of their history as well and not just the history of First Nations people, but all our history, all our story. It’s the only way we can move on in this country.”

The Archie Roach Stolen Generations Educational Resources were created in collaboration with three First Nations educators from Culture is Life. 

Culture Is Life CEO, Belinda Duarte, said knowing the truth and understanding the intergenerational impact of Stolen Generations are the first steps in healing. 

“We are honoured to stand with Uncle Archie and his Foundation to ensure the true history of this country is told,” said Ms Duarte, “in particular that of Stolen Generations."