A deeper look into Indigenous ANZACs
published this on 25th of April 2021
We remember the ANZAC’s – Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
Did you know our Mob served too?
Artwork via Lee Anthony Hampton from Koori Kicks Art.
Today is a symbolic day for many people in ‘Australia’. Today is the day the ANZAC (Australian and Aotearoa (New Zealand) Army Corps) men and women who have enlisted and
gone to war from WWI right through to the current war of Afghanistan – yes it is still ongoing
are commentated. Peacekeeping missions are included in this day also, as the men and
women have played significant roles in this aspect too.
A letter from Bertie Firth to his mother Catherine. (Supplied: NSW State Library)Today, in my blog, I want to focus upon our men and women who served in the multiple wars and peace keeping missions.
I had so many things I wanted to do today – I wanted to do a video, I wanted to read out every single name who served in any capacity, write a poem and do interviews. I simply did not have time or the resources in many cases. This saddens me, as I love honouring my people and doing all I plan to do. This time, I had to settle for doing something that I always do. Researching and finding resources for you, keeping it real and ensuring in some capacity I am honouring my people.
It is a little known, missed or ignored the fact that many of our men enlisted, trained and went to war – some coming back and some going to the stars far from their Traditional homelands and kin, just like the non-Indigenous men. Our Brothers, Cousins, Grandfathers, Nephews and Uncles served in the wars and peace keeping missions, sacrificed life, limbs and much more. Only to discover upon
returning home, their wages in many instances (though not all) had not reached home to their kin (in other words withheld) and in some cases, did not receive the allotted land that was promised to the men who enlisted and fought in the wars. This disheartens me mob were suffering on the ‘home -front’ and the men were believing they were ensuring better conditions, and futures for their kin and this was rarely, if ever the case. They were fighting for their home, their ancestors home, and the home for the future generations.
One of the positive things I am finding is our men and women are finally getting the recognition that is deserved in ways of being included and recognised in and on war memorials, in ANZAC day marches, in documentaries and in books. Albeit, in manycases, the recognition and acknowledgement has come from Indigenous researchers, families and such. However, there are many of our allies who have made it their mission to ensure our men (and women) are not forgotten for their sacrifices.
“’We’re not citizens, yet we’re willing to die for this place, we’re willing to die for non-Indigenous
Australians.’ Have a think about that one.” –
Gary Oakley, Indigenous Liaison Officer, Australian War Memorial (n.d).
Here are 3 books you can purchase online or loan from your local library to learn
about our mobs sacrifices and stories.
For our Jarjums (young ones) – Dreaming Soldiers
Below is the 2021 Uncirculated coins in commemoration, remembrance and acknowledgement of and to our brave men and women who fought for their Country without a second thought. The ‘Defending Country’ coins were designed by Deadly and talented artist and Kalkadoon woman, Chern’ee Sutton. The coin serves as a continuous reminder our mob have served in every single conflict and commitment which involved the ADF contingents. The coin design is rich with Indigenous and military symbols representing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served in the Australian Defence Force.
Do you want to learn about some of our men and women who served? click here
He said goodbye to family, sailing aboard a ship to hellHis mates were in the trenches with the mud, the blood, the smell.
Like many who were with him, small towns from where they cameTo give themselves for freedom, for their country here no shame.They stood side by side as equals. Regardless of their skin,United they were brothers as Fritz fire kept them in.Sgt Smith got wounded, bandaged, and as he turned away, machine gun fired and hit himhard and took his life that day.His Mother received a letter to say he won’t returnThey sent home all that Smithy had, only then she learned:Not her sons belongings a different soldier boythe sadness heavy in her heart for another’s pride and joy.His brother then decided to face this bloody war,fight for King and Country and all that itstood for.Before he had to board that ship war’s final days they came boys,returned to their smalltownsThough their lives were not the same.We will remember all of them, courageous brave and stronga land so far away from home where none of them belong.In their hearts and spirit Dreamtime be the Aboriginal soldier who gave all for you and me.Sandra Gaal Hayman (n.d).
My dear Grandparents, Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins
and other kin, Mandaang guwu (thank you) for the commitment and sacrifices each of you have made, yesteryear and today, for a country that has a history of mistreatment, ignorance, vile
behaviour and much more, toward us Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
In the past you may have been erased from records of serving, though you have never and
will never be forgotten.
I, for one am working on ensuring your names are placed in blazing lights, your faces, letters,
voices, experiences and commitments are never forgotten now or ever.
This, I promise you – I will do all I can to keep your memories alive – bringing your
experiences to the forefront and memorialised in books, in documentaries and in other ways.
I am so proud to know many of you serving now and in the past.
Yali 2021
That is all from me – have a wonderful Sunday. Stay hydrated, rested and enjoy your day
As always, I end this with ngurrbul (love)
Yali
xx
I acknowledge all Indigenous Countries/Lands that I learn/study about, write upon, walk/stand,
study upon and that all readers read upon.
Always paying my Yindyamarra to Elders past, present, and future. Sovereignty has never and will never be ceded.
Always Was, Always will be Aboriginal Land.
Want to know learn more about our Indigenous ANZACS? Here are some links. As
always, I will let you take a gander at researching.
soldiers-after-war/8381770
navy-personnel
bullet-sculpture
soldiers-after-war/8381770
