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Healing is hidden in the past

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Healing is hidden in the past

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The Story

Brenda’s first memories are of growing up in a loving white foster family, before she was suddenly taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family. 

Decades later, she feels disconnected from both halves of her life. But the traumas of her past do not lie quietly buried. So, she goes searching for the foster family with whom she has lost all contact. 

Along the way she uncovers long-buried secrets, government lies, and the possibility for deeper connections to family and culture. The Last Daughter is a documentary about Brenda’s journey to unearth the truth about her past, and to reconcile the two sides of her family.

Dear Australia…

We’re a nation of dual identity.
Blackfellas and Whitefellas.

I’m on a quest to help bring our two worlds together.
Two halves, that together, can create a powerful whole.

The Last Daughter isn’t about a change of plans, it’s about a change of heart.

Will you join me with your community so we can experience collective healing?

We can all find a place to belong, together.

Dear Australia…

We’re a nation of dual identity.
Blackfellas and Whitefellas.

I’m on a quest to help bring our two worlds together.
Two halves, that together, can create a powerful whole.

The Last Daughter isn’t about a change of plans, it’s about a change of heart.

From hurting to healing.
From rejection to belonging.
From disconnection to truth.

We all have a story that connects us to this Country.
In uncovering my own story, I found healing and a place to belong.

I don’t want to walk this road alone.
Will you be part of the change and walk with me to experience collective healing?

We can all find a place to belong, together.

1

Watch

#WalkWithBrenda and experience the story…

Find where to watch

;

Watch

#WalkWithBrenda and experience the story…

Find where to watch

;

2

REFLECT

Discussion guides

Personal reflection

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REFLECT

Discussion guides

Personal reflection

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3

RESPOND

Take Your Tribe

Take Action

RESPOND

Take Your Tribe

Take Action

The Framework

The Last Daughter is brought to life on screen through collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal creatives.

At the heart of our collaboration is the Aboriginal cultural framework: the Banaam Framework.

The Framework

The Last Daughter is brought to life on screen through collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal creatives.

At the heart of our collaboration is the Aboriginal cultural framework: the Banaam Framework.

The Book

Dive deeper into the story of The Last Daughter and read the book. Written by Brenda Matthews, uncover more of this healing jounrey.

The Book

Dive deeper into the story of The Last Daughter and read the book. Written by Brenda Matthews, uncover more of this healing jounrey.

“We can’t change the past, nor do I want others to feel guilty for what has happened.
I share this story out of love and forgiveness, which my Mother and Father have taught me from both sides.”

– Brenda Matthews

About Brenda Matthews

Brenda is a mother, a grandmother, a storyteller, a writer, a speaker, co-founder and Indigenous Director of Learning Circle Australia and an emerging film director, making her feature film debut with THE LAST DAUGHTER, a documentary about Brenda’s life.