NAIDOC — Molly Kelly: the girl who followed the rabbit-proof fence home
Jun 29, 2022
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Molly Kelly, a girl with mixed heritage, was taken from her family and sent to a settlement to suppress her Aboriginality. Determined to return home, Molly escaped and traveled 1000 miles, guided by a rabbit-proof fence. Along the way, she faced challenges, lost her sister, but also encountered kind strangers. This inspiring story is narrated by twelve-year-old Ruby Macheda.
Molly Kelly, a mixed-race child, bravely escapes from a settlement and walks 1000 miles home using a rabbit-proof fence as her guide.
Molly, along with her sister Daisy, faces harsh conditions and overcomes immense hardships during their journey home to Jigalong.
Deep dives
Molly's Escape from the Rabbit-Proof Fence
Molly, a mixed-race child, is forcibly taken from her family and placed in a settlement by Mr. Neville. Determined to find her way home, Molly, along with her sister Daisy and cousin Gracie, escapes and embarks on a month-long journey. Along the way, they encounter helpful strangers and use the rabbit-proof fence as their guide. Despite losing Gracie, Molly and Daisy eventually arrive at their destination, Jigalong, after nine long weeks of walking.
The Harsh Reality of Life in the Settlement
Molly, Daisy, and Gracie face difficult conditions in the settlement. They are forced to speak English, wear uncomfortable clothing, eat poor-quality food, and use buckets as toilets. Molly's determination only grows stronger, leading her to plan and execute their escape during a rainstorm. However, the girls endure immense hardships, and Gracie is recaptured and returned to the settlement, while Molly and Daisy manage to complete their journey home to Jigalong.