Daisy Kadibil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daisy Kadibil
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Daisy Kadibil, undated photo by Tobias Titz
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Daisy Burungu
1923 Australia
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| Died | 30 March 2018 (aged 95) Port Hedland, Western Australia, Australia
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| Known for | Member of the Stolen Generations Inspiration for the novel Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence |
| Family | Doris Pilkington Garimara (niece) Molly Craig (sister) Gracie (cousin) |
| Awards | Deadly Annomination Award (1995) |
Daisy Kadibil (born Burungu; 1923 – 30 March 2018) was an Aboriginal Australian woman. Her life story inspired the 1996 book Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence, written by her niece Doris Pilkington Garimara. This book was later made into the 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence.
Daisy Kadibil was a member of the Stolen Generations. This refers to Aboriginal children who were forcibly taken from their families by the Australian government.
Contents
Daisy's Early Life and Journey Home
Daisy was born in 1923. Her mother was from the Martu people, and her father was English. In 1931, when Daisy was about 8 years old, she was taken from her family in the Jigalong Community. The Australian government sent her to the Moore River Native Settlement.
Her sister Molly Craig and cousin Gracie were also taken from home and sent to Moore River. Daisy and Molly shared a father, Thomas Craig.
The girls stayed only one night at the settlement. They then bravely decided to escape and travel home. Their journey was very long, estimated to be about 800 to 1000 miles (1300 to 1600 kilometers).
The Rabbit-Proof Fence as a Guide
The trip took the girls 8 weeks to complete. They used Australia's rabbit-proof fence as a guide to travel north towards their home. The journey was very difficult. The girls had to sleep under bushes or even in rabbit burrows.
Molly, being the oldest, carried each of the younger girls when they were tired. They had to avoid search parties sent out by A. O. Neville, an official at the time. They also found their own food along the way. Some kind farmers and hunters helped the girls by giving them food.
The Book and Film About Her Story
Daisy Kadibil's niece, Doris Pilkington Garimara, wrote the book Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence. It was published in 1996. Doris herself had also been sent to the Moore River settlement. She was not reunited with her mother Molly for 20 years.
The book tells the amazing story of Daisy, Molly, and Gracie's escape and journey home. It helped many people learn about the experiences of the Stolen Generations. The book was later made into a popular film called Rabbit-Proof Fence in 2002.
Later Life and Legacy
Daisy Kadibil was recognized for her community work. She received the Deadly Annomination Award in 1995. After her journey, she worked as a housekeeper and cook on farms in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
She got married and had four children. She had children in Wiluna, Western Australia, and later returned to live in Jigalong. Members of her family helped establish and still lead the Parnngurr Community.
Daisy Kadibil passed away in a nursing home in South Hedland, Western Australia on March 30, 2018, at the age of 95. Her story remains an important part of Australian history.
See also
- Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence (book inspired by her experience)
- Rabbit-Proof Fence (film based on the above book)
