Indigenous women have made significant contributions both in peacetime and in war. Many of the books in this reading list discuss Indigenous women's contributions particularly those listed below.
Resources
Torres Strait Islander women and the Pacific War by Elizabeth Osborne.
Canberra : Aboriginal Studies Press for Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, 1997 (in World War II – Books section).
Oodgeroo Noonuccal: Wireless Operator, Chapter 4 in Fighters from the Fringe by Robert Hall, Canberra : Aboriginal Studies Press , 1995 (in World War II books section).
Author, Robert Hall, interviewed Oodgeroo Noonuccal in 1986. In this chapter she speaks of why she joined the Australian Women's Army Service, her two brothers' being taken prisoners of war in Singapore, life in Brisbane and on Stradbroke Island during the war, and race relations..
Forgotten heroes : Aborigines at war from the Somme to Vietnam by Alick Jackomos and Derek Fowell, South Melbourne, Vic., Victoria Press , 1993 (in General – Book section).
A number of Victorian Aboriginal women tell of their experiences during the war. Some worked at the munitions factory at Maribyrnong. Women at Cummeragunja Mission knitted for troops and the Commeragunja Mission Church Choir formed concert parties to raise money for the war effort.
An Indigenous Nurse in World War 1
Marion Leane Smith is to date the only identified Indigenous woman to serve in the First World War. She is of Darug heritage and served not with the AIF but as a nurse with the British army. Her story is told by Philippa Scarlett on the Indigenous Histories blog.
Interviews with Indigenous women in the Army, Navy and Airforce can be found online at the Department of Defence website
- Private Barbara Johnson speaks of her job working in Defence Force Recruiting in the Army
- Lisa Jackson-Pulver, Squadron Leader in the RAAF, talks about her work as an Epidemiologist in the RAAF
- Carol Watego-Morgan, Leading Seaman Hydrographics Systems Operator, speaks of her work in the Navy
Below are some great images of Indigenous Women who contributed to war efforts from home
Studio portrait of Aboriginal servicewoman Lance Corporal Kathleen Jean Mary Walker, of Stradbroke Island, Queensland (later known as Oodgeroo Noonuccal). Lance Corporal Walker enlisted on 5 December 1942 and was discharged on 19 January 1944. She was a communication worker with the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS).
Australian War Memorial: P01688.001.
Australian War Memorial: P01651.001.
Australian War Memorial: P01562.001.
Australian War Memorial: 014287.
Australian War Memorial: 057367.