Many young, unmarried white mothers were systematically bullied, coerced and in some cases physically assaulted to enable representatives of the State and the Church to remove their babies.

Mothers were silenced at the time so it is important that we create safe spaces in which to express ourselves now. This forum is also for those who wish to show their support for us who survived the horrors of the forced removal policies of the past.

	I believe that the purpose of this bulletin board is to make a political statement - I want this site to be about empowering ourselves - becoming united so we can challenge the goverment on their prejudicial, cruel and barbaric policies of the past - personally I don't want this site to be only about our grief, I have had enough of my grief, I want to move on. I want to have a life, a happy life, not a life dictated by my past. I want to take control of my past experiences, and use the power of my past pain to empower myself and to give me the motiviation I need to work for change and social justice. I dont want to be forever angry and fermenting about what happened - I would like participating in this bulletin board to be part of a process that contributes to a movment for social change, one where we stand up and are counted - we don't go tippy toeing around issues - we know what was done to us was wrong and we want accountability and apologies. We need to share our stories and gather strength from knowing that we are neither alone in our pain, nor in our healing. I believe our healing will come from being united and gaining justice................................................................  Christine Cole