The Last Daughter

This is the true story of two families of lovely, innocent people whose lives have been ruined by government policies of taking aboriginal children from their mothers. At the centre is Brenda, charged at the age of 2 years with being a neglected child, grabbed by authorities without warning, separated from her brothers and sisters and placed in foster care with a well-meaning white family. Then, after several years of inclusion with her new parents and siblings, she was abruptly separated from them without further contact and returned to her original family.

Grief, loss and separation permeate the lives of all involved, leaving it to the adult Brenda to reconcile the damaged lives of both families and herself. Brenda's first memories were of growing up in a loving white family. Decades later she feels disconnected from both halves of her life. Naturally, this is a story saturated with emotions and hurt. Hearts all round have been broken and two families torn apart.

Brenda's efforts to repair the harm to all her loved ones unearth records that show the failings and lies of the welfare department through her sorry young life.

The Last Daughter is a documentary about Brenda's journey to find the truth of a part of our history that has been swept under the carpet. So much has been irretrievably lost by so many, all victims of the Australian government's genocidal policies to eradicate the First Nations. The further worry is that while this story starts in the 1970s, it is not even consigned to the past, with the taking of aboriginal children continuing today.

This is a gut-wrenching tale told in an understated, gracious manner. Brenda is so eloquent as she discusses the terrible injustices experienced by her and her two families. Such a devastating experience, common to too many First Nations people in Australia and across the world.

Brenda has now written a book and is currently touring to promote it. I hope to attend an upcoming event near me. Thank you for sharing your story- it took incredible courage to commence the journey into the past. My heart kept breaking for you and your loved ones.

All Australians should watch this film. Don't miss it.

Enjoyed listening to your story and so sorry you went through all of this but wow what a wonderful ending. Your ability to see your story from both sides is so heart warming. I so wish more people could come together like you have brought your families together.

It is hard to comprehend what happened to you and so many others but the way you told your story was a wonderful insight into what actually happened and it's important these stories are told. It's also equally important like you say that they stay a part of history and we move forward. You tell your story and articulate your message so well.

I'm so glad you found peace. Keep smiling and thank you for sharing.

I watched this last night and was really moved by Brenda's.story and the amazing way she tells it. It's a great example of how storytelling brings understanding and healing.

You are amazing Brenda.

Thank you for having the courage to tell your story Brenda. And thank you to everyone who participated in bringing the real story to life as well. By watching this you could feel everyone's pain.

Such a sad story, but an important story for everyone to hear. I will be telling as many people as I can to go out and watch The Last Daughter.

It's so important that all Australian's understand this story, as just one sad example of this Countries history.

This is a story / film that all Australians should see . Even if we think we know it , the pain caused to families Black and White needs to be heard again and again . But especially the unnecessary suffering inflicted on Aboriginal people . Black and White people lied to by government. I can imagine no greater pain than having my children taken away ... the lies are unforgivable .... Brenda has taken trauma and turned it into healing ... this film is a credit to her resilience. No wonder Aboriginal and people in general do not trust the government. The two families are the true heroes and of course Brenda.