Indigenous Oral History
"The bridge between oral tradition and written history."
It has been recognised that most written sources of history only offer a view of the past from the point of view of those who held power. For many Aboriginal people, oral traditions also mean that their voice and stories become lost over time. Oral history is the bridge between oral tradition and written history, and allows people to share their memories and ensure their stories never get forgotten.
More and more Aboriginal communities are now getting involved in sharing and recording their stories. If you or someone you know has a story to tell, consider recording an oral history. It’s a worthwhile experience that will capture your story for future generations.
If you want to find out more about recording Indigenous histories, have a look at the following book here at the State Library or from your local public library:
Telling it Like it is: A Guide to Making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History by Penny Taylor, Australian Instiute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, 1992
Interviews with Aboriginal People
The State Library holds many interviews with Aboriginal people speaking on a variety of subjects and about their lives, experiences and families. A small selection can be found below and others can be located through the State Library Catalogue.
- Interview with Ernie Bridge [sound recording] / [Interviewed by J. Clements]
Ernie Bridge talks about the Noonkanbah community and Aboriginal/White relations. Recorded in 1980.
- Interview with Rob Riley [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Bill Bunbury]
Rob Riley talks about the attitudes of government and white Australians towards Aboriginal people and Aboriginal history since 1920. Recorded in 1984.
- Interview with Kenneth Colbung [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Erica Harvey]
Ken Colbung talks about his childhood at the Moore River Mission and Sister Kate's, his family and life in East Perth from an Aboriginal perspective. Recorded in 1994.
- Interview with Alice Nannup [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Bill Bunbury]
Alice Nannup talks about her life, marriage, A.O. Neville and Mogumber. Recorded in 1986 - 1987.
- Interview with Vic Forrest [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Bill Bunbury]
Vic Forrest talks about Aboriginal fringe dwelling. Recorded in 1984.
- Interview with Jack Davis [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Annette Roberts]
Jack Davis talks about his experiences on the Moore River Settlement in 1932 and his views on Aboriginal policies. Recorded in 1990.
- Interview with Isobel Bropho [sound recording] / [Interviewed R. Jamieson]
Isobel Bropho talks about her orphanage upbringing, Carrolup and Moore River Settlements and fringe dwelling. Recorded in 1989.
- Interview with Graham Farmer [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Steve Hawke]
Graham Farmer talks about his life and football career. Recorded in 1992 - 1993.
- Interview with Paddy Roe [sound recording] / [Interviewed by Bill Bunbury]
Paddy Roe talks about reading the country and life as an Aboriginal person. Recorded in 1987.
For more Western Australian oral histories, search our online catalogue.
The National Library of Australia has created a website which brings together thousands of oral histories from collections across Australia. Visit Australia’s Oral History Collections: A National Directory to start searching.
Page last updated: 10/01/2010 10:34:51