In mid-1940s Australia, a nameless nine-year-old Aboriginal orphan boy is captured by police and taken in at a remote monastery for Indigenous boys. The monastery is seemingly run by a male priest, who has, in actuality, been dead for a year, without anyone knowing the cause. The lead nun, Sister Eileen claims to outsiders that the priest is still alive, and forges letters to create this impression. Eileen is supported in her work and her deception by two Indigenous individuals, a fellow nun who goes by the nickname "Sister Mum" and a male named George. Though times are difficult, the nuns care for the boys and desire to protect them through Christian teachings and shared manual work. The other boys are not provided any knowledge of Indigenous values, language or practices. Their ultimate fate is to be forced to leave very early and be employed as farm hands.