Pilbara
Jigalong - Rabbit Proof Fence
'Rabbit Proof Fence' is a true and shocking story of three Aboriginal girls who were taken away by the Australian authorities from her parents in 1931.
Molly Craig, age 14, her half-sister Daisy and cousin Gracie Fields were taken to the Moore River settlement near Perth, to be educated as servants for white Australian immigrants.
They managed to run away and followed the Rabbit Fence to return to their home in Jigalong, a walk of over 2000 kilometres!
Gracie was caught by the
police in Wiluna, but the two other girls returned home safely, but totally
exhausted from the long walk, lack of food and the harsh conditions of the
West Australian desert.
The removal of Aboriginal children by the Australian authorities continued until the mid 70's.
Molly was caught again, but ran away a second time...
Brian Samson, Chief of the Aboriginal community of Jigalong, shows us the Rabbit Fence.
Molly's house in jigalong. We briefly spoke to Molly, who is now 86. She is still in good health and has a great sense of humour. She didn't wanted to be photographed, because alreay too many people had done that, according to her own words. She told us about Gracie, who was caught by the police in Wiluna. Although more than 70 years ago, she spoke like it happened yesterday!
Molly's daughter, Doris Pilkington, wrote a book about her mother's amazing story.
The book was filmed by Australian director Philip Noyce. It's an outstanding and emotional movie that I can trully recommend to anyone.