Rabbit Proof Fence - An Introduction to Australian Aboriginal Culture

Forum Langues

Ch. des Roches 2

1009 Pully

Be a bookworm !

An introduction to Australian Aboriginal culture.

‘Follow the Rabbit-Proof  Fence’ written by Doris Pilkington (Nugi Garimara) then watch the film ‘Rabbit-Proof Fence directed by Phillip Noyce

The book

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is a book written about one of the dark chapters of Aboriginal Australian history: The Stolen Generations. The “Aboriginal Protection Act” of 1897 allowed the authorities “to cause every Aboriginal within any district [...] to be removed to, and kept within the limits of, any reserve”.  Doris Pilkington (whose traditional name is Nugi Garimara) is not a professional writer which you’ll notice while you read. But despite occasional stylistic flaws, the book has one advantage over novels: it’s authentic. And this makes the story even more remarkable and the reader more and more concerned and shocked about the circumstances of that time. The author is the daughter of Molly, one of    the girls in the story. 

The movie

The movie, Rabbit-Proof Fence, was adapted from Doris Pilkington’s book. The movie is directed by Australian director, Phillip Noyce, well known for many movies including, Dead Calm, Clear and Present Danger, The Bone Collector and most recently, Salt. British actor Kenneth Branagh and Aboriginal actor Davis Gulpilill star in the film.  The soundtrack for the movie was composed by Peter Gabriel of Genesis fame..The film follows three young Aboriginal girls as they walk 2400 kilometres of Australia’s rabbit-proof fence to get back home to their family and community after being taken away by government authorities.

Information and registration

Maximum 6 participants, language level B2 or native speakers. CHF 120,- (book included)

www.forum-langues.ch or phone

Rob 078 - 906 3004

3 lessons, 2 weeks in between

May 10th, 2011

9.30 - 11.00 am

Presentation of book and author.

An overview of  Australian

Aboriginal culture.

May 24^th, 2011

9.30  till 11.00 am

Discussion of the book

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence.

A look at the ‘Bringing them Home’

national inquiry of 1997

June 12th, 2011

9.30 - 11.30 am

Watch the movie

Rabbit-Proof Fence

followed by discussion.

If there are sufficient numbers

corresponding evening classes

will be held from 7.00 - 8.30pm

Archie Roach, an Aboriginal singer has recorded his experiences as a member of the stolen generation with his song 'They Took the Children Away'. Have a sneak preview of this touching and beautiful vocal on Amazon.com