An intimate insight into the history of Indigenous activism and reflection on family legacy. Life and impact of a woman born on a reserve, her efforts to reclaim land, and contributions of Nicole Watson against the Northern Territory intervention. The enduring fire of the tent embassy and Gunna Maynard's activism. Hidden histories, inspiring activism, and the importance of truth-telling. Reflections on interconnection of activism and preview of 'Songlines of Country' project.
The podcast explores the legacy of Aboriginal activism through the stories of three individuals and emphasizes the need for truth-telling and memorialization of Aboriginal history.
The contributions of non-Indigenous allies in Aboriginal activism, such as Nicole Watson's great-grandmother, highlight the importance of understanding and memorializing their efforts.
Deep dives
Legacy of Aboriginal Activism
The podcast episode explores the legacy of Aboriginal activism through the stories of three individuals: Pauline Clegg, Nicole Watson, and Gunna Maynard. They discuss the importance of their parents' work and the impact it had on their own activism. The episode highlights how their parents were involved in various forms of activism, such as fighting for land rights, advocating for Indigenous constitutional recognition, and demanding self-determination. They emphasize the need for truth-telling and memorialization of Aboriginal history and the continued struggle for justice and equality.
Pauline Clegg's Mother's Influence
Pauline Clegg discusses her mother, Joyce Clegg, who was an influential Aboriginal activist. Joyce played a significant role in instigating the 1967 constitutional referendum and was awarded the Member of the British Empire for her services in combating racism. Pauline reflects on her mother's commitment to Indigenous communities and her work in various organizations and initiatives. Joyce's legacy is characterized by her determination to give a voice to Indigenous peoples and to share their real stories with the wider community.
Nicole Watson's Great-Grandmother Ming
Nicole Watson shares the story of her great-grandmother, Ming. Ming was a non-Indigenous woman who formed strong relationships with Aboriginal women and girls assigned to work in her household by the New South Wales Aboriginal Protection Board. She became a leading activist for Aboriginal citizenship rights and fought against forced removals. Nicole highlights the importance of understanding and memorializing the contributions of her great-grandmother and other non-Indigenous allies in Aboriginal activism.
Gunna Maynard's Parents and History
Gunna Maynard reflects on the significant contributions of his parents, John Maynard and Victoria Huskins, in Aboriginal activism and history. John's research on his grandfather, Fred Maynard, uncovered the history of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association and their demands for self-determination, land rights, and the end of forced removals. Victoria's research focused on the activism of her great-grandmother and the links between Aboriginal activists and non-Indigenous allies. Gunna emphasizes the significance of their work in promoting truth-telling and the continuity of resistance in Aboriginal activism.