Elders at Western Sydney University join emotional ANZAC Day 2017 march
Military and former military personnel who are Elders on Campus at Western Sydney University will join other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans and defence personnel as they lead the National ANZAC Day march in Canberra.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association has this year been given the honour of leading the march for the first time.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have served in every theatre of war and of military endeavour since the Boer War.
Many of these veterans who are Elders on Campus were participants in the Too Dark to See project, a film, book and photography production that highlights the often forgotten contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers.
Included in the group is Elder on Campus and two time Olympic wrestler Uncle John Kinsela – the nephew of Reg Saunders, who was Australia's first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian army.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership, Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM, is also a serving member of the Royal Australian Airforce.
"Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Service Personnel leading the march projects a positive message to all Australians," says Professor Jackson Pulver.
"Age has not wearied them. They were and always remain warriors."
Ends
24 April 2017
Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer
Background
About Too Dark to See
In restoring truth to the national narrative, Western Sydney University released a tri-partite production Too Dark to See, a documentary film, book and photography project highlighting the often forgotten military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served. The film was launched at the Australian War Memorial.
Veterans who contributed in Too Dark to See who will be attending the Canberra 2017 ANZAC Day March include Uncle Roy Mundine, Uncle David Williams, Uncle Harry Allie, Uncle Charlie Mundine and Uncle John Kinsela.
Unfortunately, Uncle Norm Newlin who also contributed in Too Dark To See recently passed away. Post service, Uncle Norm became a highly regarded writer in the areas of civil rights struggles experienced by both African Americans and Aboriginal Australians.
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