John Alexander
John Alexander is one of the Stolen Generations and only discovered his Aboriginal identity when he was nearly 50.
“My whole life changed when I learned who I was. My connection with nature, the land, my whole being then made sense.”
His elder daughter Debb had initially pushed him to find out about their biological family as a way of learning about her medical history.
John sent off a Freedom of Information application and two weeks later found out more about his family than he had ever known.
Then just days after, he was told he had two sisters and a brother, and their mother was still alive.
He was also encouraged to write a letter to her.
“I was stunned. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever written. How do you address a mother you’ve never known?”
When John finally met his mother, who was living in Karratha, he said it was like a dream.
“I remember my mum saying I’ve never ever forgotten you. Always had you in my mind.”
John believes there is no time for bitterness.
“We just need to share our lives as a family and not be trapped in the past.”
Debb Alexander
Debb is the elder of John’s two daughters and was instrumental in her father discovering his Aboriginal identity.
John had been a foster child after being removed from his Aboriginal mother.
“I’m bossy, and I was determined to find out our biological family’s medical background,” said Debb.
She says it took a couple of days to process the information that she was Aboriginal and for the big picture to sink in.
“I’m still angry that authorities could keep you away from your culture, prevent you from growing up with your family,” Debb said.
“But I’m grateful I got to know my grandmother. She died at the age of 90.”
Debb says she was inspired by her father’s work with prisoners after seeing how rewarding it was.
“I’ve worked at Boronia for two years with amazing women. I’ve seen how the Yirra Djinda program opens opportunities for them, gives them back their pride and self-confidence. It also means they can become role models for their children, families and community.”
Debb also says many of the women keep in touch after they are released from prison.
“I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to make an impact on them and help turn their lives around.”
Zali Alexander
Zali has only recently begun her career in Corrective Services, providing support to Aboriginal youth at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
She had a difficult start to life herself, but has always received good support from her mother’s side of the family.
“I’m continuing on my own healing journey. And I want to give back to young people.”
She credits her grandfather, Goring Menang Elder John Alexander, with helping her find her strength.
“I could have gone down the wrong track. But pop would talk to me, tell me stories about our ancestors and the dreamtime. He helped me find my way.”
Zali says she emphasises the role of family and culture when speaking to the young detainees she works with.
“I try to get the kids to see how important family and country are despite the difficulties they might have faced.”
She says she wants to build and continue to build good rapport with young people.
“I feel so rewarded when they feel they can trust me. Choosing to work here has been such a positive step in my life,” Zali said.
