1

By Edwina Lester

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ANZACS: the silence to recognition

For Grade 6

(Creative Spirits. Anzac Day Coloured Digger March)

Cultural Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be advised that the following

presentation contains images and voices of deceased persons.

A copy of this presentation without images can be provided upon request

Some language and perspectives used in this presentation are representative of the cultural

norms of the period, and were included to maintain historical authenticity. They are not

considered appropriate in todays society and do not represent the views of this institution or the

author.

2

SummaryThis presentation begins with a brief overview of the history of the Anzacs and origins of Anzac Day. It then explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in the major military campaigns and the conditions for servicemen during and after the wars.

Indigenous involvement in Anzac Day commemorative ceremonies will be discussed and reasons for non-recognition identified. Finally, recent initiatives to recognise and acknowledge the sacrifices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in military conflict will be introduced.

3

Anzac Overview

On the 25th April 1915 the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACS) landed at Gallipoli. (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010. p.12)

Intense fighting continued for eight months. 8709 Australian personnel died and a further 19441 were reported wounded or taken prisoner. (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010, 2010b)

The 25th April is known as Anzac Day in remembrance of this battle. (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010a, 2010b)

Anzac Day is a national holiday and commemorative marches are held almost every city and town in Australia (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010a, 2010b)

4

5

International Aboriginal War InvolvementWar Year Region

First Boer War 1880-1881Transvaal, South

AfricaSecond Boer

War1899-1902

Transvaal, South Africa

World War I 1914-1918 mainly Europe

World War II 1937-1945Europe, SE Asia,

Middle East, Africa

Occupation of Japan

1946-1951 Japan

Korean War 1950-1953 KoreaMalayan

Emergency1950-1960 Malaya

Indonesian Confrontation

1963-1966Indonesia, Malaysia

Vietnam War 1962-1975 VietnamAboriginal people are

counted as Australians

1967  

First Gulf War 1990-1991 Iraq, KuwaitAfghanistan 2001-present AfghanistanSecond Gulf

War2003-present Iraq

Peacekeeping 1947-present worldwide

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have had a presence in every Australian Military conflict, from the Boer war and are still a vital part of peace keeping forces today.

(Creative spirits. Anzac Day Coloured Digger march)

Reasons For Enlisting Loyalty and patriotism To prove themselves as equals To push for better treatment after the war To earn money, gain independence To escape from mission life

(Commonwealth of Australia, 2013.)

(Australian War memorial )

6

“They came from a section of society with few rights, low wages,

and poor living conditions. Most

Indigenous Australians could not vote and none

were counted in the census”

First World War

Approximately 400-500 Aboriginal people served in the First World War.

Indigenous Australians who tried to enlist in the First World War were rejected on the grounds of race, but many changed their names and slipped through the net as race was not recorded on official documentation.

Look at the images of battlefield conditions in this cliphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piSf-NLpkWg

How do you think you would feel as possibly the only indigenous person in your regiment, having come from a small Australian (possibly

rural)community?

(Australian War Memorial )

7

Second World WarApproximately 6000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served as enlisted servicemen, members of irregular units or support units during the Second world War.

They were promised full citizenship right after the war but were not given the right to vote for another 17 years. They lived under the so-called ‘Protection Acts’ that imposed strict control over almost every aspect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life.

(Australian war memorial )

8

Unable to vote but eligible to die.

Richard Wynne, State Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Victoria

Indigenous Servicemen9

“White and black soldiers forged friendships in the trenches of Gallipoli and the Western Front or on horseback with the Light Horse in the Middle East”. (Moremon)

Indigenous Australians served in ordinary units under the same conditions as non-indigenous Australians.

Prisoners of WarOfficial records show that three Indigenous servicemen became prisoners of war during the First World War and 12 during the Second World War.(O’Connell. Indigenous Australians at War)

Indigenous Women In WarIndigenous women were represented in all branches of military

service

Aboriginal servicewoman, QF267190 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Kathleen Jean Mary (Kath) Walker.

(Australian War memorial))

10

Aboriginal serviceman, VX35999 Private Samuel Alexandra Peacock (Sam) Lovett, 6th Reinforcements, 2/5th Battalion, and his niece, 95994 Aircraftwoman (ACW) Alice Lovett (left)

Aboriginal servicewoman, VF513768 Corporal (Cpl) Helen Annie McDonald, of Colac, Vic. Cpl McDonald enlisted with the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) on 18 October 1943 and was discharged on 22 January 1946.

On The Home FrontDuring the Second World War Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people contributed to the war effort on the home front by participation in labour units. They were involved in roles such as:

Official observer on the lookout for enemy aircraft Finding lost aircraft and airmen Teaching Australian troop bushcraft skills such as waterproofing huts with bark. Supplying native foods and hunting to supplement navy rations Loading and unloading supply ships Driving trucks and handling cargo Construction of military barracks

Indigenous workers were paid 5 Shillings a week.(Commonwealth of Australia 2013)

11

After The War

“When you're serving, things are pretty equal. You do your job well, your mates respect you and you get promoted. It's when you get back

that it gets hard on the black Digger”.David Williams, president NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association

(Creative Sprits. An Anzac aftermath)

.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etJZctAx0jY

12

Watch this short clip which explores the issues of how returned servicemen were treated. It is a modern way to portray history and challenge the traditional ANZAC narrative

After The War upon return to civilian life, many indigenous people found they

were treated with the same prejudice and discrimination as before.

Aboriginal ex-service men were barred from participating in ‘The Soldier Settlement Scheme’ which provided land for farming ( land set aside for Aboriginal reserves).

Living condition and opportunities for employment and education were still poor

They were excluded from entering public places and participating in public events.(Creative Sprits, Commonwealth of Australia, 2013)

What effect do you think this had on the returned servicemen and their families?

Brainstorm this question with your teacher and record your findings. Now watch this short video and discuss the points raised by Linda Boney-Suey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlP3v8PcIwg

13

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day provides an opportunity for returned service men to gather, enjoy comradeship, share stories and mourn lost mates, while thousands of civilians gather at marches to show their gratitude and respect.For a long time after the great wars, Aboriginal diggers were forgotten, their names omitted from war memorials across Australia. not allowed to participate in the ANZAC marches or the social gatherings with mates afterwards, excluded from Returned Services Leagues Clubs (RSL) and generally not recognised for their achievements.

14

“War presented and still presents an opportunity for Indigenous men and women to enjoy an equality between black and white that was not available to Indigenous people at home and remains elusive to this day.”National Indigenous Times (creative Spirits, Torres Strait Islanders and Anzac Day

Anzac Day 2007: Australia’s First Coloured Diggers March

On Anzac Day (25th April 2007) in Redfern, Sydney, hundreds of Indigenous veterans and their descendants marched along Redfern Street to St Saviour’s church in Sydney’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anzac Day parade.

This march began to bring attention toAboriginal Diggers as they are not given the same level of acknowledgement, recognition and resect as shown to ‘white diggers’ in the traditional ANZAC marches.

15

“Our people were denied the honour,

recognition and respect accorded to other servicemen

and servicewomen”Pastor Ray Minniecon, Aboriginal pastor

in Sydney

Fighting For Recognition“There is a whole range of stories of national significance about Indigenous veterans which have not been previously told, let alone fed into the school or public domain,” explains Uncle Harry Allie [20].

16

(Creative Spirits. An ANZAC Aftermath)

Uncle David Williams looking at a memorial of boomerangs, a didgeridoo and a rifle during an Aboriginal veteran commemoration in Sydney

Recent DevelopmentsA dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial has been established near the Australian War memorial in Canberra

The theme for NAIDOC week in 2014 was “Serving Country Centenary and Beyond”. It was chosen to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in

defence of country.(Australian government, 2014)

17

Recognition Into The FutureFinally there is beginning to be a recognition of the efforts and sacrifices Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women have made over their years of service.

Watch this short video, it calls for a national memorial to officially recognize the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers

2015 Centennial Anzac DayA contingent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel will be present at the ceremony in Gallipoli to represent indigenous service people who have served in all previous conflicts.

The Australian War Memorial will hold The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony after the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Aboriginal Memorial plaque on the side of Mount Ainslie, in Canberra.

18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZWpJEKi3aM

What Can We Do?

What can you do in your school or local

community, to recognise the sacrifices of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women, both

past and present?

Discuss some ideas with your teacher

19

Teaching Activity Presentation - Students would view this presentation,

participate in whole class discussions and complete workbook activities to re-enforce critical information.

Case Study - Students work in small groups to investigate an indigenous service person from either of the great wars, developing a profile on their chosen person (Reginald Saunders, Leonard Waters). Teacher to support students in independent research by providing a list of suitable research subjects and identifying sources of information.

Cultural sensitivity - Teacher conducts a whole class discussion on the cultural protocols of using images of deceased persons.

Sharing information - Using the information gained in step 2, students develop a poster or electronic presentation and deliver this to the rest of the class.

Whole School involvement - As a class group deliver presentations at whole school assembly prior to ANZAC day.

20

Curriculum Links – Grade 6Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culturesAustralia acknowledges the significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people locally and globally. OI.9

Literacy- Interacting with othersParticipate in and contribute to discussions, clarifying and interrogating ideas, developing and supporting arguments, sharing and evaluating information, experiences and opinions (ACELY1709)

Plan, rehearse and deliver presentations, selecting and sequencing appropriate content and multimodal elements for defined audiences and purposes, making appropriate choices for modality and emphasis (ACELY1710) Historical questions and researchIdentify and locate a range of relevant sources (ACHHS120) Civics and citizenshipHow laws affect the lives of citizens, including experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACHCK025) 

Visual ArtPlan the display of artworks to enhance their meaning for an audience (ACAVAM116)

(Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority)

21

PedagogyThis presentation and associated learning activities are based on the following pedagogical principles: Based on Constructivist learning theories and experiential learning

models. It is highly learner centred, collaborative, active and reflective (Ash & Clayton, 2009)

Ensures learner engagement through active participation in real world activities where knowledge and skills, theory and practice, can combine and be applied to real situations. (Grabinger & Dunlap, 1995).

Small group work provides scaffolding to support student learning at all levels and promotes an inclusive learning environment (Herrington & Herrington, 2006)

Activities allows for the application of a variety of learning styles and methodologies (Mezirow, 1991)

Discussions incorporate social learning and sharing of knowledge in a cooperative and formative manner (Bruner, 1963).

Independent research builds learner confidence as it decreases dependency on the teacher and helps students to take responsibility for learning and become more self-directed. (Mezirow, 1991)

22

Cultural ConsiderationsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols are based on recognition, consultation and respect, and may change dependent upon the group or community we work with. The main protocols include:

Any public event should begin with a Welcome to Country (conducted by an Elder) or Acknowledgement of Country (conducted by non-indigenous persons), Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and an Acknowledgement of Elders past and present.

Warnings if information contains names or images of deceased persons and the provision of alternative information.

Consideration of gender-specific knowledge and images. Respect for secret and sacred information and rituals. Ensure written works are culturally authentic, reflect cultural values ,

empowers Indigenous peoples and reflects their cultural identity Ensure inclusive language is used at all times and avoid ‘othering’. Warnings If non-inclusive language is contained in text used

specifically for historical accuracy.

The above information was obtained fromhttp://www.reconciliation.org.au/raphub/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Respect-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-protocols-Oxfam-Australia.pdf

23

References Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority. F-10 Curriculum, all subjects, year

6. Downloaded from the Australian Curriculum website on 18/12/14. http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Browse?a=E&a=M&a=S&a=H&a=G&a=ENB&a=CNC&a=da&a=dr&a=ma&a=mu&a=va&a=DI&a=DE&a=HPE&y=5&y=6#page=2

Australian Government. (2014).NAIDOC. Retrieved from http://www.naidoc.org.au on 1/2/15

Australian War Memorial. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Defence Force. Retrieved on 17/12/2014 from http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/aborigines/.

Ash, S.L., Clayton, P.H. , 2009, 'Generating, Deepening, and Documenting Learning: The Power of Critical Reflection in Applied Learning', Journal of Applied Learning in Higher Education , Fall, 25-48

Bruner, J, S. (1963). On Knowing: essays for the left hand. London: Oxford University press

Commonwealth of Australia. (2010a). Investigating Gallipoli; A Resource for Primary Schools. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Canberra.

Commonwealth of Australia. (2010b). Gallipoli and the ANZACS; A Resource for Secondary Schools. Department of veteran’s Affairs. Canberra.

Commonwealth of Australia. (2013). Indigenous Service: Investigating the wartime experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the First World war to the present: A

Resource for Secondary Schools. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Canberra.

Creative spirits. Anzac Day Coloured Digger march. Retrieved on 17/12/14 from http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/history/anzac-day-coloured-digger-march

24

References Grabinger, R. S., Dunlap, J.C. 1995. Rich environment for active learning: a definition. Association for

Learning Technology Journal,3, 2. Retrieved 13/7/2012 from ProQuest

Herrington, A., & Herrington, J. (2006). Authentic learning environments in higher education. Hershey: Information Science Publcations.

Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass.

Moremon, J. Indigenous Australians at war: A brief history of Indigenous Australians at War. Retrieved on 17/12/14 from http://www.dva.gov.au/BENEFITSANDSERVICES/IND/Pages/at_war.aspx

O’Connell, G. Indigenous Australians at War. Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies website. Retrieved on 17/12/14 from http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/collections/exhibitions/iaaw/prisoners.html

Oxfam Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols. Retrieved on21/12/14 from http://www.reconciliation.org.au/raphub/wpcontent/uploads/2013/03/Respect-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-protocols-Oxfam-Australia.pdf

YouTube . Living Black: S18 Ep7 - Diggers Memorial . Published on 24/4/2013 .Retrieved on 17/12/14 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZWpJEKi3aM

YouTube . Black Diggers: Challenging the ANZAC narrative. Published on Jan 20, 2014. Retrieved on 21/12/14 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etJZctAx0jY

YouTube. Indigenous soldiers to be honoured. Published on Apr 22, 2013. Retrieved on 21/12/14 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlP3v8PcIwg

YouTube. 7News - Discrimination of indigenous diggers. Published on 7/4/2014. Retrieved on 21/12/14 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piSf-NLpkWg

25