Touring exhibition Indigenous Australians at war from the Boer War to the present is now on display the Western Australian Museum – Perth tomorrow.

The exhibition from the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne presents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ stories from all over Australia.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said it is important to acknowledge the Aboriginal men and women who served their country during wars.

“We are honoured to display the stories about these Australians at the WA Museum – Perth. Aboriginal people have served Australia, patriotically, through many conflicts but have not always been acknowledged for their commitment and sacrifice,” Mr Coles said.

Indigenous Australians at war from the Boer War to the present covers indigenous people’s wartime contributions in the Boer War (1899-1902), First World War (1914-18), Second World War (1939-45), Korean War (1950-53), Vietnam War (1963-75), and in subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping.

The opportunity to serve in Australia’s armed forces gave many people the experience of liberation from racial stereotypes for the first time. Oral histories reveal that while racism might have emerged behind the lines, when serving at the front line, all were alike in their concerns to survive and consider one another.

Indigenous Australians at war from the Boer War to the present is on display at the WA Museum – Perth until 7 February 2016. The exhibition will then go on display at the WA Museum’s Albany and Kalgoorlie-Boulder sites.

The Shrine of Remembrance’s Shrine Trustees are proud to present Indigenous Australians at war from the Boer War to the present and gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions of the Australian Government and Linfox that have enabled the exhibition to tour nationally.

Media contact
Flora Perrella
Media and Communications Coordinator
Western Australian Museum
flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au