Memories of the Brungle Mission | Back Roads | ABC Australia

Summary

The transcript recounts the challenging history of the Brungle Mission, established in 1888 to segregate Aboriginal people from nearby towns. It highlights the harsh conditions, including ration cuts for misbehavior and the threat of family separation due to racial bias. The speaker reflects on the cultural suppression, such as the prohibition of their language, and their personal journey to relearn it later in life. The narrative also touches on the resilience and generosity of the Aboriginal community, as they share their culture with younger generations despite past injustices.

Takeaways

• 🏚️ The former Brungle Mission was established in 1888 to house Aboriginal people, who were otherwise unwanted in nearby towns.
• 🚫 The mission was intentionally isolated to keep the Aboriginal community away from the rest of society due to racial prejudice.
• 🗝️ Punishments for misbehavior included ration cuts and confinement, which could last for up to two weeks without food and work opportunities.
• 👪 The mission's managers attempted to separate families, as seen in Auntie Phyllis's case, due to her lighter skin being mistaken for European heritage.
• 🏫 Children at the mission were forbidden from speaking their native language, leading to a loss of cultural identity and language skills.
• 👵 Auntie Phyllis's story highlights the personal struggles to preserve and reclaim cultural heritage, even attempting to learn her language at the age of 75.
• 😢 The emotional impact of cultural loss is evident, with the speaker expressing sadness over not being able to speak their language fluently.
• 🌐 The importance of language and cultural practices is underscored by the joy and pride felt when hearing children speak in their native language or perform traditional dances.
• 👮‍♂️ The script mentions the role of welfare authorities in enforcing the mission's rules and the potential threat of child removal from families.
• 📚 The speaker's return to education later in life to learn their language illustrates the ongoing efforts to reconnect with and preserve cultural heritage.
• 💃 The presence of Uncle Pat and the mention of traditional dances at the Tumut Community Preschool show a commitment to passing down cultural knowledge to future generations.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the Brungle Mission?

The Brungle Mission was established in 1888 to house Aboriginal people, segregating them from the nearby towns of Candelo and Turmeric, where the townsfolk did not want to see black faces.

How were the living conditions at the Brungle Mission?

The living conditions were poor, with tin huts and dirt floors. The Aboriginal people were cut off from the rest of society and faced harsh treatment if they did not behave according to the managers' expectations.

What was the consequence for those who did not behave at the mission?

If the Aboriginal people did not behave, the managers would cut off their rations, forcing them to go without food for a fortnight and confining them to the mission area, preventing them from seeking work.

Why was Auntie Phyllis forced to move out of the mission?

Auntie Phyllis was forced to move out because the managers thought she was European due to her lighter skin color. They threatened to remove her children to keep the family together, which was a common practice to enforce racial segregation.

What impact did the mission have on the Aboriginal people's language and culture?

The mission had a detrimental impact on the Aboriginal people's language and culture. They were not allowed to speak their language, which led to a loss of cultural identity and a struggle to relearn their language later in life.

Why did the narrator go back to TAFE at the age of 75?

The narrator went back to TAFE at the age of 75 to try to learn their language, which was suppressed during their time at the mission and had a profound emotional impact on them.

What emotions does the narrator express when hearing their language being spoken by others?

The narrator feels a deep sadness and a strong connection to their culture when hearing their language spoken by others, especially by younger generations.

What is the significance of the narrator's experience with the 'dig too'?

The 'dig too' is a cultural practice that deeply resonates with the narrator, symbolizing their love for their culture and the emotional impact of cultural loss and recovery.

What is the connection between the Brungle Mission's history and the current cultural activities?

Despite the terrible history of the Brungle Mission, the current cultural activities, such as teaching and learning traditional dances and language, represent a form of resilience and a way to reconnect with and preserve Aboriginal culture.

How does the narrator describe the spirit of the Aboriginal people in the face of adversity?

The narrator is moved by the generosity of spirit displayed by the Aboriginal people, who continue to embrace and share their culture despite the historical injustices they have faced.

What is the role of the 'aunties' in preserving and sharing Aboriginal culture?

The 'aunties' play a crucial role in preserving and sharing Aboriginal culture by teaching younger generations about their traditions, language, and history, which is essential for cultural continuity and identity.