Aboriginal Oral History Conference

Abstract

An Aboriginal Oral History Conference was held at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies on June 16, 17 and 18.Aborigines and non-Aborigines active in recording and documenting oral history discussed the importance of carrying out this work. In some cases there is special urgency to record the histories of older people while they are still alive. It was also noted that history and its study are ongoing processes and that the opinions and memories of young Aborigines today are important to Aboriginal history and identity. The conference also discussed the importance of Aboriginal history to general Australian social history.The social relevance of oral history in Aboriginal land claims, for the cultural education of Aboriginal children and in rectifying the ethnocentric slant of Australian history was discussed.Mr Michael Mace, the Chairman of the Aboriginal and Islander Advisory Committee to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies said: Oral history is an important part of the continuing struggle for Aboriginal land rights, self-determination and cultural autonomy. Aboriginal history must be recorded and written by Aboriginal researchers, and Aboriginal people must remain the custodians and guardians of our culture. We urge that Aboriginal researchers be funded to carry out the work and that regional Aboriginal resource centres be established and funded. We will seek further support from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, from the government and from academics to work towards full recognition of the status of Aboriginal culture and history.