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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.

 

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: 12/08/2009 15:50:21