Indigenous Stories
The Memorial is honoured to be able to share the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Farrel’s Indigenous wedding makes waves
Corporal Arthur Farrell married Elizabeth Dalgety in Perth in 1947. Their wedding made waves in the press because of their status as Indigenous Australians.
Australian Rules ancestor was Aboriginal, not an Afghan
How football great Mark Naley uncovered his family’s Indigenous heritage, tracing it back to his grandfather Gordon Naley - Gallipoli veteran, POW, and Mirning descendant.
Alfred Susan: Gallipoli veteran, prisoner of war and grandson of King Billy
Despite official exemptions, Alfred Susan navigated racial barriers to enlist in the First World War serving at both Gallipoli and the Western Front.
Naming Private Ngakyunkwokka
Uncovering the name and story of Private Charlie Bob Ngakyunkwokka has helped shape the Memorial’s understanding of cultural protocols and mourning practices of Indigenous communities.
A journal and a postcard: uncovering an Indigenous family’s legacy of service
The extraordinary wartime service of four Indigenous brothers — including one who served in the army, navy and air force — has come to light after a family uncovered a long-lost memoir and donated it to the Australian War Memorial.
The Black Rats of Tobruk
The Australian War Memorial is committed to discovering the identities of Australian service personnel of Indigenous heritage. Research is continuing to reveal stories of the Indigenous presence among soldiers of the Second Australian Imperial Force.
Indigenous Soldiers of the First World War and the Stolen Generation
In 1914 the Australian government placed a call for volunteers to fight a predominantly European war in the interests of the British Empire. Indigenous Australians answered that call in numbers. In doing so, they faced challenges other Australian volunteers did not.
Rare postcards shine a new light on Indigenous soldiers service
Jeannie Lister came across three silk embroidered postcards that caught her eye. With her love of embroidery and an interest in family history, she immediately recognised them as First World War souvenirs sent home by soldiers on the front lines.
From massacres to medals – a story of redemption and recognition
The painted triptych shares the history of the Gija people’s experience of conflict in the East Kimberly region over the past hundred years.