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Mount Isa responses to the Apology
In March 2009, the State Library of Queensland interviewed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Mount Isa to record their responses to the 2008 Apology. The sessions were part of the State Library's Regional Apology Project, an Online Public Access in Libraries (OPAL) funded project. These stories build upon stories that were created in Brisbane as part of the original Responses to the 2008 Apology project.
Seven people have shared their stories:
Robyrta Felton | Patricia Lees | Valerie Craigie | Soraya Johnston | Lila Pigliafiori-Baker | Jasmin Minniecon | Barry Lea
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Mrs Felton is a Mornington Island elder who has significantly contributed to her community and broader issues of Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Among her numerous roles, she has been a member of the Mornington Shire Council, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commisssion (ATSIC) and the Junkuri Laka Justice Association. |
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Patricia claims Australian nationality with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal and Irish ancestry through her mother being a Murray Islander and her father Irish. She is a member of the Stolen Generation, being removed to Townsville and then Palm Island. She was the first Queensland woman of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent to join the Women’s Royal Australian Navy in 1967. Patricia has undertaken significant participatory and representative roles within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC); the Inaugural Queensland Indigenous Advisory Council, chaired by Mr Neville Bonner and through her long term employment with West Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Legal Aid.
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Valerie is the Manager at MOB FM, Mount Isa's Indigenous radio station. She is from the Kalkadoon people in Mount Isa.
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Soraya is a Year 11 student at Spinifex State College in Mount Isa. Her mother is Valerie Craigie and she is completing her Certificate III in Broadcasting at MOB FM.
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Lila is a Darnley Island girl through her father, late Telly Mapoo Baker and a descendant of the Gangalidda people through her mother Edith Joy Johnson/Sarmardin. She lives in Mount Isa and currently works for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [new window].
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Jasmin comes from a long line of Indigenous activitists and rights campaigners. She is currently working at Centacare, Family Services in Mount Isa.
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Barry is the Production Manager at MOB FM, where he also hosts the morning show. Barry is originally from Hervey Bay. He has also played rugby union for the Wallabies and the Queensland Reds. |
Last updated: 22nd July 2009
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