The Importance of Local Aboriginal History in School Curriculum
Abstract
I would like to focus on the history and culture of the Aboriginal people in the Manning Valley of New South Wales to show how material that is localised in nature can be used in a school program of studies. Such material helps to reveal the local or regional nature of Aboriginal culture, as well as aspects that are related to the whole of Australia. The common factors of Aboriginal culture have tended to have been over emphasised in the past and little mention has been made of the local or regional scene.
References
Birrell W.K., Feb. 1970 : The Manning Valley, NSW: A study in landscape change, 1824-1900. PhD Thesis, University of Newcastle., NSW.
Kelly A., 1985: Purfleet: An alienated community 1824-1980. BA Thesis (Hons), Dept of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Newcastle ., NSW.
Marr Bert., interview with, by Ramsland John., December 1986, Purfleet.
McCarthy F.D. : The making of a bark canoe. The Australian Museum Magazine, 15 Feb., 1944, pp.184–187.
Newspapers consulted (various years): Wingham Chroniole3 Sydney Mail, The Manning and Hastings Advocate, Maitland Daily Mercury, Northern Champion, NSW Aborignal Advocate.
Reports of the Aboriginal Protection Board, various years.
Ryan J.S. : Some Aboriginal place names on the mid-north of NSW, pp.2 –29, bound in History of the Aborigines from the Manning Area, Vol.2, Taree Public Library local history collection.
Simon Ella., 1978 , Through My Eyes. Rigby, Adelaide.
Tape-recording of interview with Mrs Ella Simon by Arch. Fraser, (date unknown). Original held in Arch. Fraser's private collection.
Wingham Bench Book, 3 June 1863 – 9 October 1883 (Benches of Magistrates and Police Magistrates and Clerks of Petty Sessions) AONSW, 3160.
