This, interview recorded as part of the 'Bringing Them Home Oral History Project', served to collect and preserve the stories of Indigenous people and others, such as missionaries, police and administrators involved in or affected by the process of child removals.Roy Barker was born 1928 at Brewarinna Station in NSW. Barker speaks about his childhood on Brewarinna Aboriginal Reserve, the removal of his two brothers, and the features of the apprenticeship scheme. He also speaks about his service with the occupation forces in Japan, Aboriginal interaction with mainstream music, bush medicine and reconciliation.

Roy Barker interviewed by Rob Willis in the 'Bringing Them Home Oral History Project' (Sound recording, 5 July 2000)

In 1909, the Aborigines Protection Board became the owner of all reserves. The Board had control over who could, and could not, live on a reserve. Board officials, including Board employees and NSW police officers, had direct control over the lives of Aboriginal people on reserves.

Aborigines Protection Board and reserves

The standard of living on stations and reserves was often very poor. Aboriginal people suffered from sickness, malnutrition, ill treatment and inadequate accommodation. They were expected to work on or off the reserves.

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Roy Barker interviewed by Rob Willis in the 'Bringing Them Home Oral History Project' (Sound recording, 5 July 2000)

Aborigines Protection Board and reserves

Conditions on reserves