My stolen childhood, and a life to rebuild | Sheila Humphries | TEDxPerth

"This story is not a pretty one” begins Sheila Humphries who, as a child, was taken from her parents and placed in an orphanage by authorities who thought they knew best. One voice of the stolen Generation, Sheila, with many other indigenous Australian children, suffered cruelty and neglect that has shaped her as an adult, for good and for ill. The effects are still writ large on Sheila’s life and it’s a part of Australian history we must never forget.
Sheila will soon publish her autobiography, Silent Tears.
Use caution viewing this talk, as it contains images of dead persons. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@lynetteyarran6188]

Love you my mummy, I am your first born twin, I love you very much and thank you for everything you've done for me, I am now 60years old, I have my own family, my husband, two girls, two boys, one grandson, I lost my dad& husband, and one of my son's, my mum had six daughters and.two sons , who all have families of their own now thank you mum

[@jendavis4581]

The tenacity and strength of First Australians is something I admire, I am a teacher and I think we are raising a generation of students who will learn from the horrors and atrocities of the past. I am hopeful.

[@loveanddaisypetals7376]

Dear Lynette, Your mum's incredible story has me sobbing and I'm absolutely amazed at her strength too, especially as a new mum, when she had to fight to save and keep you and your twin and then the rest of her babies too. What an extraordinary lady your amazing mummy is. What an unimaginably horrific childhood to have gone through and survived. I'm a year younger than you and through my own traumatic childhood experiences, though nowhere near as bad as your mum's, I can totally empathise with her. Please give her all my love and huge hugs. Sending all my love to her and to her mother and grandmother and all the rest of the children who have been and are being wronged even today. There's generations of pain we need to work towards healing. May love and facing the truth, through the telling of the truth, the way your mum has, help us all to heal and to save ourselves and future generations from the cycles of divisions, abuse and pain, as well as helping us to unite to save this beautiful planet of ours, together, for the good of all, not just the abusive, exploitative few who have inflicted so much horror and pain on people and planet, crushing indigenous populations wherever they went and with them the truth. The truth that we are one: not just with each other s human beings. but with all of life on earth and with the Earth itself. Love and hugs to you and your inspiring mummy and to all your siblings and children and grandchildren too. Mary-Ellen xxx

[@closedheart1934]

@@loveanddaisypetals7376 beautifully said❤

[@annemccarron2281]

At first I thought it's had to believe that happened in my lifetime, but then, I thought, no, there is so much we don't know about others lives. People don't want to hear stories that make them uncomfortable. So glad your Mom shated this. The story needs to be told again & again & again.

[@shelbysmith1894]

Love and kindness does exist. I am a stronger woman by hearing your family's history! May Blessings always be with you all

[@harrietthornton5328]

The cruelty never touched her Pure heart. Love and respect To you .

[@traven5330]

Oh Aunty 😔. My mum (nicknamed Tubby) went to St Joseph's with you. She never spoke about the bad stuff. It's heart wrenching to hear. My heart goes out to you and all our families who continue to cope with this atrocious history. In the last 10 years I've met 2 sisters and 1 brother who were taken away.

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@gemmav725]

Anyone who says indigenous Australians need to get over these horrors need to watch this. This happened to people's parents and grandparents! I just want to say thank you to all indigenous Australians for staying strong and using your voices to educate the rest of us xx

[@bettiegiles3677]

It is the indigenous Australians life they can keep it in their minds, this is their heritage, DO NOT TRY TO TAKE IT AWAY!!

[@harrietthornton5328]

How can the perpetrator Of injustice feel sympathy. You have to see all Humanity as equal to Care about atrocities. She is a light to goodness In her life and for others. So much respect and love To her.

[@Listens2Spirits]

The American indigenous people also had their children taken from them for "education". Thousands died. Graves are being discovered yet today. Many americans tell them to "get over it" too. HOW when those ppl who lived on this land since the beginning of time lose their children in the hands of white ppl? It hasnt been all that long if you really think about it; for the Australians and the americans.

[@chiyenyumba7135]

The African slaves and the Africans in colonised on the African continent it's awful and the Canadians who have just discovered graves

[@jeanettejew5998]

Sswww

[@myaussiebabe1]

Oh Aunty, I cried and cried listening to you telling the tragic story of your childhood. I'm still crying now. I wish I could take away all the pain. My late mum was brought up as a white girl. Her true heritage was stolen from her. Her white mother forbade her going into the sun, and when she accidentally got darker in summer Nana tried to strangle her. Nana was always so cruel to my mum. Her niece saved her life. Mum didn't know she was Aboriginal until just before she died 10 yrs ago. The white relatives thought it was time she knew. It sure answered many questions for us. And now I'm lost. You are a beautiful woman, Aunty, your husband must have been a very good man, and you certainly deserved to have been married to him 🖤💛❤️

[@akachovich]

Mygrandma too

[@jojocandy2025]

I am so so sorry. I wish there wad some form of closure and justice for your families . Xx

[@Rinfiner]

I wish you all the best man

[@debbietaylor2983]

Hugs from me to you, and all of our stolen family.

[@Deathsharp272]

Me too aunty

[@tomgeytenbeek2207]

What an absolute legend. I only saw this for a school assignment, but what an incredible person...

[@capital_beaz4725]

Hope you got an A farkkin Plus

[@Wintverlyn]

Me too, I'm glad we were assigned this today. Otherwise I would never know her story...

[@KasiaPlayz]

Same 🙃

[@MrMrMuhummad]

When she lifts her arm to blow a kiss to the audience 😭😭😭 Gracious ༄

[@jewelsevers4340]

I am in tears and we never understand how they can justify what they have done. Very sorry for the heartache you suffer.

[@elleyonaspg9580]

Sorry thing is that those who committed such atrocities xonsider themselves civilized.

[@OliBolivia]

@@elleyonaspg9580 They thought civilized meant coming from a modern western society meaning industralisation.

[@phyllismagunde5844]

This is a very, very cruel, painful experience. Thank you Lord God for preserving this lady's life. She lived to help transform lives of disadvantaged children. She is an angel sent by God.

[@aybudd1903]

Aw my poor great grandmother had to go through this bless her soul n bless urs Aunty

[@amymash6817]

So terrible 😔💕

[@saibliss7976]

So sad, never underestimate the effects of even one cruel gesture to another human being. Be Kind To All... and it shall multiply. Be there starter of good👌💖💕🙏

[@veronicaneumann1820]

What a painful life for a child. This is so sickening to watch. The fact this lady survived to tell her story.

[@chrisbean]

Listening to this nice lady makes me realize how insignificant my problems are and how much I have to be grateful for. Congratulations on sharing your life story!

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@chriswatson8230]

The stories are many about the cruelty of these Catholics. It's a shame yet they call themselves Christians.

[@dianebozeman5275]

Respectfully , Chris, they call themselves correctly……do the research of the so called Christians…….the atrocities.

[@Y3172E]

@@dianebozeman5275 they are obviously religious but don’t have personal relationship with God. Jesus didn’t come for religious people, actually he hated them. Mathew 23:13 What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either. Religious people causes war not people who have relationship with Jesus.

[@katarinaaslin6609]

Horror mowie!This nun are psycopath very sick people!

[@clydecarstairs6256]

Not just the Catholics but also the Sajvation Army.

[@gallen2101]

The Worse!!! so sad

[@jonnel13]

I hope someone outside of Australia picks this up and makes a movie out of it. The world needs to hear these stories.

[@dominicnarorrga9089]

They already made one called rabbit proof fence

[@jonnel13]

@@dominicnarorrga9089 Thank you. I will look it up.

[@jabbersart6218]

It does baffle and anger me that no one back home in America knows about this.

[@loloo512]

Yes!!!!

[@christac4115]

I visited New Norcia as a child maybe 11 yrs of age (primary school age), in the sixties, for performances the boys living there put on. Of course I knew nothing of hardship they endured nor was aware of monks being their teachers. New Norcia is a good hour drive from Perth, (flat and red dirt) I remember the colourfulness of the stage and costumes. I did not live there and now imagine so much more occurred for these boys whose families may have thought this experience was to ensure they were fed and schooled. I hope that families were not broken up, but it seems highly likely. Blessings to those that have endured various forms of solitude, cruelty and abuse. May it cease. Right now!.

[@randomemo12]

I'm in tears, this was so upsetting to hear. I cannot fathom how people can treat other humans like that.

[@toniagarcia3247]

Really? Check out America, Canada or wherever the colonizers went.

[@jessenglenda]

Nor can I so sad

[@coolcoconuts4453]

"We think your children will die if they go home with you, let us take them" "My girls are grandmother's today" That's fucken powerful man, ever since I started the Indigenous Health part of my nursing degree I've been binge watching stories like this. It's honestly incredible the amount of metal the Indigenous Australian's have

[@YetMoreCupsOfTea]

Thank you for listening and caring Zack. My grandmother was separated from her mother as a girl, and died before she spoke to any of us about it. She found the whole thing too difficult to discuss.

[@beautifuldiva0208]

Being as though I still find myself “WANTING MY MOMMY” I know how she feels. 12:00 brought me to tears. I miss my mommy daily.

[@arizonasunflowers5226]

My mom grew up in an orphanage with a younger brother & sister she had to take care of & raise like they were her own children. I loved my momma but she was a cold woman. She could not hug or kiss, nor show us affection. My father left when I was about 8, right after my little brother was born. I had to take care of him after school every day while Mom worked. He had ADHD so he was quite a handful, but I did my best. As soon as I turned 15 I left home. I’d get brought back but I’d leave again. I spent most of the rest of my life having babies and trying to recreate my own happy family. After hearing you speak, my dear, I understand a little why she was how she was. I didn’t realize my parents, my brother & I were so messed up until I was about 60 years old. I’m so sorry what you went through, “Aunty”and I’m so very sorry for my mom, who’s been gone now for nearly 20 years. I’m very happy i have my children & my 20 grandkids & 4 great-grandkids, but I wish I could hug my mom once more & tell her how much I love her & miss her, and I’m sorry I never understood how broken she was.

[@beautifuldiva0208]

@@arizonasunflowers5226 your mom didn’t show love because she was never given it. You can’t give something to someone that you don’t understand.

[@jasonh.8754]

Australia has so much to apologise for. It took 200 years to create this mess, let's hope it doesn't take 200 years to sort it out.

[@jojocandy2025]

Unfortunately its not looking good. Dont think we are doing much at all to heal

[@thefirehawk1921]

Canada too. Very similar situation happened here too with a lot of families, it's awful. Not orphanages, but residential schools... similar foundation though. Great Spirit bless you all.

[@billwilson5341]

No one needs to apologize for what now dead people did. That was then, this is now. It ain't happening now.

[@dianemercer9916]

@@billwilson5341 The church allowed it to happen, they absolutely need to apologize for this.

[@billwilson5341]

@@dianemercer9916: A physical building did not allow anything to happen. The people who allowed it to happen are now DEAD.

[@christinefleming9812]

I watched that movie: 'A long walk home' And it made me feel furious, sad and ashamed. I'm German, born 1953. It took me years to walk upright and to realise that I didn't take part in killing 6 Million Jews and other Minorities. But I am responsible to do everything in my surroundings and what is possible for me to avoid that people suffer because of their beliefs, colour of skin, gender, religion or nationality. It's not enough that it is written in the constitution. It has to be lived each day. It is very brave of this lady to bring this subject into public eventhough it is painful to speak about it. It is as necessary as important never to be forgotten also for the indigenous people in Canada and USA. I hope and pray that the wounds will heal. God bless you and your family, all tribes and all you out there. Very touching comments❣🙏🌈

[@bealubbers8431]

What a heartbreaking story. When we will we ever learn? You telling your story is a huge stepping stone; now let's take the next step.

[@simonaschmidt]

I am so sorry this happened to you and all the other children. My heart is with you all.

[@Hrdkse01]

OMG Nan!! Im from NZ and to hear what happened in your childhood, makes me cry. To hear the atrocities handed to you and your entire family Nationwide. Shameful. May your elders bless you all!!

[@boybriar]

What a beautiful soul, nothing but respect for her.

[@victoriastandeven4170]

I am in tears now. This breaks my heart. How could someone do these things to children?

[@jasonh.8754]

Easy, they were Catholics. I know from experience.

[@jane62603]

catholic i am not even gonna give it a capital letter so much pain they have caused.

[@makanaki513]

Correct answer would be british christian missionaries.

[@mewho6199]

How? Racism.

[@yawn8598]

I remember reading somewhere about psychological experiments where a certain group of people were designated prison guards and another group were the inmates. Every time the experiment was carried out there were "prison guards" who would start to treat the inmates cruelly. Then the groups were reversed, so the prisoners were now the guards. Same thing happened. It's something in mankind whereby those who have power over others will abuse. Not all do it, but it always happens.

[@roxyroller6633]

Thank you for sharing. Hundreds of Aboriginal people here in Canada just discovered hundreds of unmarked children's graves on 3 sites run by the Catholic Church. Our Aboriginal people feel and share your pain. Many died, and many survived. Thank you again for your story.

[@mareldatucker4141]

Love you Mum ❤️

[@kelleehall1452]

Bless her heart.

[@shilohpickett6470]

💕

[@ComaToast1]

🖤

[@boujiebarbie3198]

Why would this be done to anyone? I can't imagine even criminals being treated this way. My heart goes out to this woman and her family and others like her❤

[@marilynbostick5145]

It's slavery no matter how you slice it

[@qirfy3510]

criminals are being treated worse trust me.

[@charlize500]

@@qirfy3510 No they weren't.. we were the criminals in their eyes

[@vernaharris4700]

I'm so sorry they stole your childhood.😥 Thank you for sharing your story.❤

[@Jkk55]

How she suffered as a child made me cry hard, She is a strong beautiful woman you are blessed!

[@Astrostevo]

That was harrowing to listen to and I can only begin to imagine what it must have been like to live through it. I am so sorry. You didn't deserve that, Sheila Humphries, the other stolen "orphans" didn't either. Nobody should be put through that let alone children who have done nothing wrong.

[@edwardrangirangi3203]

As for the 37 dislikes you are part of the reason

[@tammyg8031]

Amen

[@tammyg8031]

They are probably catholic priests that don't like the fact that their organization is demonic and sick

[@melissa4691]

As a woman who was born here, I identify as Australian, my ancestry is English. I am so sorry for what you went through. Thank you for sharing your story. I imagine telling your story is immensely painful. You are already helping others, and educating others on what happened, and for that I am so grateful. As I get older I am learning so much about Australian history. My eldest son has a beautiful teacher, married to an indigenous man. They educate our kids, but more importantly us parents, who may not have known better. Our school is better for their presence, and what they do educating the school community about aboriginal culture. I feel things changing, and I hope the future is far more accepting. My son is intensely interested in aboriginal art, and on a recent hospital visit we encountered lots of aboriginal art. He taught me about what the paintings meant, and it made me so proud. Again, I am so sorry for what you were put through.

[@OptimisticCynic715]

@@aliviastar1240 And yet Europeans were one of the milder expansionists, and lifted the entire world in the process. You're welcome.

[@lilizdg672]

Are you proud of being English race? If I was u, I wouldn't have mentioned that demonic race so called Britain. Ur fathers have caused deep pain to human race especially on blacks.

[@spitbukket6862]

@@aliviastar1240 you shouldn't judge a people by their race. I agree what the English did to indigenous people as horrific, but continuing the cycle of hatred does not help.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

@@lilizdg672 She's sorry from her heart and remember not all Europeans were cruel but the ruling class. Majority are like us.

[@lalalol1215]

I think the most enlightened, respectful of other living creatures and earth conscious Europeans are the ones with Celtic and Scandinavian DNA.

[@vanessanandasena4617]

This broke my heart. The cruelties of this world are beyond my comprehension. The absolute disregard for humanity. I often wonder if I want to bring children of my own into such a dark world. Anyway, I admire this lady and her courage and I pray that the remainder of her life is filled with nothing but happiness and contentment.

[@annemccarron2281]

Bring children into the word! Raise them to be kind, loving human beings who can help to stop experiences like this.

[@tammyandersonparker3068]

Yes, cruelties beyond comprehension. Psychopaths run amuck.

[@taryn4030]

Sheila my life is blessed to have known you and you two beautiful daughters. Such a dignified lady, your beauty runs so deep thank you ❤

[@terrydeans5246]

It is heartbreaking to listen to this. How can these types of things be allowed to happen? Heaven and earth should be moved to prevent this from ever happening again. What a powerful testimony and what courage to get up on that stage to make it known. I wish you all the happiness this world can give you and hope the pain is fading.

[@gothgod10]

What an absolutely incredible woman!

[@fredrika27]

I am a former foster child. Everything that happened to her has happened to me on some level. Although I didn't experience the extreme physical abuse like she did, the displacement, the going from home to home and the insecurities are still as vivid today as they were over 50 years ago. Foster children and orphans are set to the wolves with no one to defend them. We are bullied at school and unloved at home. If we are lucky like I was, people and families come into our lives who make changes and help us to become successful adults. I'm glad that people are speaking out against the abuse because the world should know! In Sheila's case, she had a family! That's what is so wrong about it! Likewise, most unwed mums want to keep their children, but are forced to give them up by their families and the states--only to be abused later--especially if you are a child of color! The whole system is not built for the good intention of children, but to punish the unwanted children on this earth for being born.

[@luciddreams6210]

Its about punishing children and their parents for the supposed violations of the parents who did not or could not (makes no difference to those in charge either way) conform to a domination based system. Obey or pay. That's the idea. And to drive the point all the way home they will see to it that the children of those who dare to reject their authority are as doomed to misery and downtrodden as possible. If they could kill people outright and get away with it they might except they would probably watch others suffer anyway. Hateful, contemptuous and utterly miserable control obsessed oafs who don't want anyone to have a level of genuine satisfaction with reality than what they are unable and afraid to strive for. Truly utterly miserable people do these things and then claim they "didn't know any better at the time" as if you have to know something to just have a heart.

[@fredrika27]

@@luciddreams6210 Well said! Not only that, in Canada and the USA they are now finding the graves of Native Americans AND unwanted children of all races at government and church institutions. We're not talking a few kids! We're talking THOUSANDS of kids who were buried on government and chirch grounds for simply being born or going to schools! It's sickening! An apology just doesn't cut it!

[@luciddreams6210]

@@fredrika27 Wow. Can I trouble you for a link to reference to this information?

[@tankster5826]

They just dug some up in Ireland. Don’t know how many. The worst ones were during the depression and things like that where children starved and didn’t get medical care. They werenususa,lay children of unwed mothers because that was considered a societal and church taboo.

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@deesmith7880]

Wow - that was profound. Thank you for sharing. These stories need to be heard, and the pain acknowledged.

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@unasaric5739]

So much respect for this woman. Everyone needs to learn more about this crime against humanity.

[@cathytrindall9178]

Thank you for sharing your story Aunty, you have amazing strength and my heart cries with you. "What has been done, can never be undone." I am so sorry! Much respect! xox

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@freedombeyond3809]

I live in Ireland and this kind of story is commonplace here. One is deeply affected at what this poor lady endured at the hands of 'Godly people'. They were no such thing. They committed heinous crimes against the most vulnerable; children and other at risk groups. You would think, from the stories that we hear, that the children had done something wrong. In every case without exception, they were the least to blame. Very moving to hear this brave woman speak. I appaud her.

[@constanzasilvaa]

Aunty Sheila is a strong and very powerful woman, and l thank her for sharing her story

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Bless this beautiful lady

[@truthmatter8661]

I am so sad to hear may god Bless u and protected .

[@daughterofelroi4369]

What a brave resilient woman! Prayers for your healing from all this abuse you suffered. 🙏

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@jennifergopinath]

Poor soul! O my gosh, the courage she had to speak of her painful childhood, is unbelievable indeed! Thank you!

[@nathansalaba3062]

Being an islander her story made me cry... what a life she has lived... a strong woman indeed.

[@deeanderson4164]

How cruel and inhumane people can be, especially when they see someone as less than. A horrible shame.

[@cindychild8400]

Oh my gosh --- this woman is a warrior! So much pain to have lived through...i am speechless. I can only imagine how much Sheila helps others - the incredible imagine of her just sitting and telling her story of such intimate betrayal to a theatre of people and it felt like she was talking to me in my kitchen - she will reach people that hurt and be able to make such a difference. Profound

[@tedmaccarthy4105]

Sorry to hear all those terrible things happy to know there are strong women like u in the world

[@lebakania6802]

You broke my heart God bless you .

[@barryfitzhugh8739]

Thank you, Miss Sheila, for sharing your profoundly inspiring, heartfelt life story. My handicapped veterans groups will be tremendously uplifted by your perseverance, inner resolve, and determination to achieve a better quality of life for yourself and your family. God bless you, Miss Sheila, remember Earth has no sorrow that can equal the Glory God has for us in Heaven.

[@esthercheung4602]

Thank you TED, thank you the old lady to share this story. We shall all know the truth of what they deserved. I'm so sorry.

[@lorrainewest7408]

The Orphanages need to be held accountable for what these people endured. A lot of children did go through the Depression years in 1930's especially. Poverty, desperation. No excuse for peoples cruelty though. Even children being harmed presently in care or not. Unacceptable.

[@MagsChase1229]

Orphanages held accountable? Their gone! What people need to do is stop supporting Catholicism. I too was a catholic from catholic family, friends and school. Some family and friends still go to this church. You can pray and communicate to God, Jesus and Universe any time you like. Catholicism is a deep, deep seeded cult. This dear woman's story ALONE should be enough to run from Catholicism. Yet, people don't! It's so ingrained into their being ! This is called childhood programming! "What will my parents, my friends think if I leave?" My older relatives didn't have the access to internet! Bless all of you who have read and listened to this dear lady! You all can do it. Love yourself and others.

[@deerheart87]

Spiteful

[@hopefull61256]

Yes do many orphans neglected. I noticed there were white kids in that orphanage too. But what made this epically egregious was that there had parents who wanted to look after them. No child should be forcefully separated from loving parents.

[@kerryanneansari2362]

Thank you for sharing these stories that allows grief to have its place. Your resilience is outstanding and your bravery incredible.

[@ericrobinson7184]

The US did the same thing to American-Indians, so did Canada, listening to this women made me cry a lot. Everywhere Europeans went...they snatched children...and now in the US we have baby jails for immigrants applying for asylum...same demonic story.

[@themandinkafamily]

Exactly

[@galaxysupernova7459]

@@catherinesterling1685 ya and they feel proud about it :)

[@catherinesterling1685]

@@galaxysupernova7459 yes weather they kill us or themselves their proud about every murder they commit

[@cody8860]

They are still doing it here as well just more discreetly. Aboriginals get charged for abuse and their kids are taken away. You can find Utopia by John Pilger to understand more on here free. All in an effort to setup more mining towns and claim resources for China etc. Aboriginals should be provided the rights to these lands and the decision on what to do with the resources. Giving back Uluru was just a publicity stunt.

[@streetsoflaredo3432]

Donald Trump had the children in hotels. Look it up. Now GEO 4, formerly Wackenhut, is in charge of the overcrowded detention centers for children. They are infamous for their prisons worldwide. They are owned by Europeans, not Americans. Look it up before you believe the news.

[@Joelle0821]

I’m really sorry that that happened to you.

[@map3364]

The Catholic Church is guilty of heinous crimes against humanity. As a Christian this breaks my heart. Remember the man Jesus. It’s the Man and not the religion. Those awful nuns will be judged by Almighty God someday.

[@map3364]

@elisheva Weberman truly a dark and brutal time in the history of the world. Their ideology and methods were not of God. As a Christian I share my faith, and more importantly try to live my faith. Force subdues, but love changes . Blessings to you.

[@K4Kiah]

Thank you for sharing your story Aunty, my father was taken around the same time you had your babies. His parents died before he met them and we have still never met his family.

[@topgurl9313]

Unfortunately, this story is similar for millions of children in Australia, the US and many other countries. I just don't understand why and how people could create such an immoral system and mostly get away with it. The amount of hate in your heart to do this to someone. Or the lack of any feeling at all...

[@alonageorginainovero1728]

Australia colonized by great britain,they're are the one who is responsible for those stolen generations

[@irenemarlor4583]

No conscious. I part of Stolen Generation, but it happened to lots of other children four corners of the World. Just gotta keep moving!

[@ComaToast1]

THE ROMAN EMPIRE

[@lorrainewest7408]

@@alonageorginainovero1728 Overpowering a culture, like vultures who believe themselves to be better than, instead of being beside, immersing and not consuming. I think myself the attitude of care was though very different from today. There is no excuse for abuse, nor that abuse being silenced. Keep asserting yourselves and making a lot of rumbles never let up, so people know the suffering. Same thing is going on with indigenous in Myanmar, South American Indigenous tribes. I support Amnesty International Humanity groups for same reasons. In my opinion it is those employed in these institutions, the policy makers and the enablers who are to blame, and the Government should have & had effective Audits oversight.

[@annemccarron2281]

Among supposed "Christians!" Christianity is more than a label, it's a way of life. If you are not kind & charitable like Jesus, then you are not a Christian.

[@catherineklaffer4651]

This kind and beautiful soul - thank you Auntie for sharing your story with us so that I hope - we, like you, can be some sort of beacon of light and pay it forward too. You found it in yourself to make a rose grow out of a rock, out of your hurt. To help others. You made meaning out of darkness. I hope my life can be a reflection of such strength, poise and courage to serve others also. God bless you

[@massimilianoleone7360]

So sorry to hear this story, Aunty. I can only hope that First Nation People will lead this Country where we live, work and study.

[@lynnmckibbon9150]

Today, in Canada, we are listening to the indigenous peoples stories on the radio, after more than 250 children bodies were found at a residential school It seems that the Catholic Church were committing these horrors all over the world Your delivery of your story had me fully captured. Heartbreaking. Thank you for your strength to share your pain

[@kathduncan459]

Absolutely wonderful and so sad. Thank you.

[@melissacoulter7118]

thank you so much for sharing , we appreciate you Sheila Humphries you are a beautiful soul.

[@werebilbyj4449]

Thank you Aunty for sharing your story. I am so glad that you made it through and you stood up to them when your kids were born. Thank you so much.

[@firetruck1955]

Blessed woman. God sent you here today to spread your story of the institutionalized slavery you and your sister, mother and so many more endured so we others learn the real way life can be. My view of humanity is changed forever.

[@amywilliams3510]

Have the people who committed these monstrosity’s been held accountable and brought to justice? It doesn’t matter how long it has been if they have not then they need to be. I know this was a long time ago but probably not so much for the dear children who suffered unbearable pain, anguish and sorrow. These children deserve justice.

[@sylwia7060]

What a beautiful human being 😘💞,lots of love and light from Norway 🙋

[@BronzeSista]

Thanks for sharing your story. It is true to heart. I have read about the stolen generation. One thing that shocked me was how religious nuns treated them.

[@PlantVoyager]

In Ireland they sold children and enslaved thousands of young women! So many horrific stories from across the world. No surprise!

[@jassie571]

This story made me cry. I am lost for words. Just so wrong

[@katek57]

You are a beautiful soul. I will never ever forget your story.

[@lissstar5423]

Thanks for sharing. I'm so happy you broke the cycle with your twins. You're awesome.

[@LeilaSouza2]

Different country similar story. :( sorry you had to go through all this pain senhora.

[@ComaToast1]

Love for my real America's you are a strong and powerful lot of peoples 🖤

[@yvettejones4249]

Thank you very much for sharing your story. May God Bless you and your entire family.

[@l_sunshine]

It's so disheartening to hear that so many Indigenous Australians had been taken away from their homes and families just because of where they came from and who they were.

[@capricorn6853]

My Dad spoke about those sheep heads and maggots, he never saw his Mother again after being taken from her and put in that place.

[@amymash6817]

So awful

[@letakeokuk5446]

God bless your family…🙏🏾

[@michelekonrad1307]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm so sorry for what you went through. My heart goes out to you and the others who endured this.

[@eileen2906]

Bless your heart ♥ I really do hope that you have found much happiness in your life now beautiful soul, keep the love always. All the very best frm England

[@antoinettehardy905]

Wow! Sorry for what you went through as child. God bless you for raising your children.

[@katrinadorman9899]

Thank you for sharing so open heartedly your story. Sending lots of love and healing.

[@rev.fr.ejikembaka6795]

Today, as you go out, you shall be blessed. You shall return with great fortunes. Your coming in shall be fulfilling. Morning will work for your good. My prayer for you this day is that before you call one, hundreds will arise to favour you. I see people falling over themselves to divinely favour you. As you keep trusting the Lord, He will favour you and elevate you to heights beyond your imagination Have a super pleasant day. message me on WhatsApp [phone] I have a surprise for you God bless

[@breecollins7715]

Very brave and inspirational to speak in front of such a large audience. Very inspirational to go back into education after such a traumatic experience with the goal of helping other children. Beautiful woman who clearly married a great man. What a dreadful childhood she experienced and under the guise of religion. So called religious people should have known better.

[@going2NY]

I will never understand how this could have happened and how all of the social workers, health professionals, police, teachers etc could have knowingly participated in this cruelty. What a dark history this country has. I am in awe of the strength and resilience of stolen generations survivors and so greatful for Sheila's bravery in sharing her story so that we may have the oppourtuniy to confront and learn from these injustices.

[@rubypettaras2456]

This is such a powerful story i am sorry for what you had gone though

[@joycieeable]

Thank you thank you thank you Aunty

[@donnaleethornton3660]

Thank you for sharing, your courage is helping others understand and changing the world one heart at a time.

[@jmac3482]

Wonderful to know this. Thank you.

[@andreabergin4995]

So powerful, so beautiful, thankyou

[@sandraatkins2539]

Mother I am so so sorry very sorry for your experiences in that school. Some of the old surviving religious who ran those schools still practice discrimination towards us, albeit in more subtle forms. They don't want me to speak about it, but I will. I work very closely with them, so I know what truth I am speaking. Blessings to you our Mother.❤❤❤❤

[@florafen1305]

Have read and heard stories over the years of the suffering ..... and it just dawned on me it was Religion Again, fully engaged and active in the cause of suffering. Catholic and Christian, are they one and the same? What Responsibility have the Catholic Church taken, the Christian churches? What active support and healing have the churches undertaken over these years?

[@OptimisticCynic715]

Let's not forget Zaynab bint Al-Harith. Most of her family was slaughtered by a violent religion, but later she prepared a special meal for her tormentors.

[@chriswatson8230]

This brings tears to my eyes.

[@MrMadieu]

That gave me goosebumps & tears throughout. What an INCREDIBLE woman. Let her story be a lesson to us all when we are feeling sorry for ourselves...

[@medinad1822]

My heart goes out to you for sharing your story. May the higher power bless you with inner peace.

[@sandrajdavis1236]

Heart Breaking Lord Have Mercy On Their Memories Deliver Them From Thoughts About Treatments

[@EmptyTheTanks]

Devastating and beautiful.

[@jasonheritage3403]

Sheila's statement made me cry " If I can help one child make it in this world. It will be worth it all". I'm pursuing a BA in Biomedical Health and Science at ECU Perth WA. Candy Dao

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@jf4156]

Why arent we taught about this in school? this is so abhorrent im ashamed to be australian

[@butasimpleidiotwizard]

Idk if you're still in school but I'm pretty sure most high schools do teach it, we only did maybe a week on it in our regular sose class but I also took an elective class that went more in depth. If there are any that don't teach it though that is still concerning, this isn't something anyone should be allowed to forget

[@gqaso]

we study about it every year in my school

[@tuna-2779]

I cant believe we don't have a national holiday in memory of all wrong that has happened to the Aboriginal people.

[@jabbersart6218]

My state has reconciliation day, is that not nationwide?

[@jabbersart6218]

Not to say it really pushes the agenda of remembering, feels more like a holiday which it shouldn’t be

[@tuna-2779]

@@jabbersart6218 I think we had it but i mean something along the lines of Anzac day or the queens birthday

[@l_sunshine]

@@tuna-2779 Yeah I agree with you

[@TheJesusChick]

A "day" is not sufficient! It needs to be a month-long remembrance.

[@annettegriffith493]

O my God! My Heart is hurting! God bless He's Real. Thank you so much for Sharing your Story! Are you still Here with Us! God Bless You 🙏🌹

[@onesilike9838]

I am listening to this from Canada where thousands of indigenous children were also place in the care of schools run by the Catholic Church, with similar stories. This spring, hundreds of unmarked graves have been found throughout Canada with the bodies of children as young as three years old. The church has a lot to answer for.

[@lynnmahan154]

And they never will😞