Rhonda Collard-Spratt: Finding Strength in Adversity
To heal the issues that our people face, we need to start listening to their stories and acknowledge their stories as their truth.
Imagine being taken from your family at the tender age of three and placed in a mission far from home. This is the reality that Rhonda Collard-Spratt, an Aboriginal poet and artist, faced. In this episode of 'Toni TV', host Toni Lontis sits down with Rhonda to explore her powerful story of resilience and hope. Rhonda's memoir, 'Alice’s Daughter', delves into her search for culture and family amidst the violence, racism, and heartache she endured.
Her father’s death in custody, investigated by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, adds another layer to her harrowing journey. Despite these challenges, Rhonda's story is a beacon of strength and the enduring spirit of Aboriginal culture. Through her art and poetry, she speaks out against injustices and emphasizes the healing power of storytelling. Toni and Rhonda discuss the importance of acknowledging the Stolen Generations and respecting Aboriginal traditions.
This episode isn't just about Rhonda's past; it's a call to listen to and amplify Aboriginal voices in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Tune in to be inspired by Rhonda's incredible resilience and her unwavering hope for a better future.