We will remember them (lest we forget)

This Anzac Day, ACU Library is showcasing a range of resources highlighting wartime experiences and sacrifices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in the armed forces.

Indigenous military service

Australia's First Nations people have a long and proud history of military service.

"They have combined modern military and uniquely indigenous skills, drawing on knowledge and understandings of their ‘Country’ to fulfil their role of defending and protecting Australia as members of the defence forces."

Explore our resources

Read

Riseman, N. (2016). In defence of country : life stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander servicemen & women. Australian National University Press.

Stories of indigenous service. (2022). Department of Veterans’ affairs.

Grant, L. & Bell, M. (2018). For country, for nation : an illustrated history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military service. Australian War Memorial.

Beaumont, J. & Cadzow, A. (2018). Serving our country : indigenous Australians, war, defence and citizenship. Sydney, Australia: NewSouth Books.

Watch

Bin Salleh, R., Fry, S., Green, R., Monnone, M., Harvey, T., Knowles, I., Briggs, K., Gdanitz, M., Brownlee, N., & Harris, F. (2019). Alfred’s War. Story Box Library.

Interested in learning more?

Follow ACU’s Professor Noah Riseman on Research Bank.

His research focuses on the social history of marginalised groups in the 20th and the 21st century Australia, specifically Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military service and the relationships between military service, citizenship, Indigenous rights, and national identity.