Florence Onus is a descendant of the Birri-Gubba and Kairi/Bidjara clans of north-east Queensland.

She is the fourth generation of women from her family to be forcibly removed from land, culture and family.

‘My grandmother and my mother were both trained and sent out as domestic servants on properties. They weren’t allowed to speak their native language or practice cultural ceremonies, or they would be severely punished', Florence said.

‘And then I became part of the Stolen Generations when I was removed from my family to be raised in a white foster home.'

Her two older sisters were sent to Rockhampton to live with nuns, while Florence and her two other siblings went to Townsville foster homes. There, Florence spent most of her childhood.

‘I embarked on my healing journey when at 21 my mother attempted suicide and I became her full time carer and together we began the journey of healing.’