They were denied the right to defend their country. To enlist, some denied their own identity. After having a taste of equality in the AIF, they returned home to prejudice and discrimination. The story of Aboriginal servicemen in the First World War, to be told at a forum at the Parliament of New South Wales.

Speakers:

Philippa Scarlett, Historian and author of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Volunteers for the AIF: The Indigenous Response to World War One

Professor John Maynard, Director Purai Global Indigenous and Diaspora Research Studies Centre - Chair Indigenous History; Wollotuka Institute – Academic Division; Adjunct Professor - National Centre for Indigenous Studies, Australian National University, project leader of Serving Our Country

Michael Bell, Indigenous Liaison Officer, Military History Section, Australian War Memorial, Canberra

Uncle Harry Allie, Gudjala Elder (Charters towers), BEM Warrant Officer (Retired), Royal Australian Air Force

Forum date/time: Tuesday 13 November 2018, from 3 pm to 4 pm (please arrive 10 minutes prior to the commencement of the forum to be seated)

Venue: Parliamentary Theatrette

RSVP essential by emailing [email protected] or calling 9230 3566 by Friday 9 November 2018

Live stream access - Available at 3.00 pm

This is a free event. This forum coincides with the NSW Parliament's exhibition The ANZAC Legacy in NSW: Then and Now commemorating the end of the First World War. The exhibition will be on display from early November 2018 to February 2019.