Remembering Mount Margaret Mission’ sheds light on a history seldom told
A unique insight into the lives of Aboriginal children living at the Mount Margaret Mission, located on Wongatha land in the Goldfields-Esperance region, has been produced by the State Government’s Aboriginal History WA.
‘Remembering Mount Margaret Mission’ is a collection of crayon drawings created by children at the school in 1939.
Produced in partnership with the Mount Margaret Aboriginal community, it commemorates the centenary of the Mission, established in 1921.
The drawings were considered ‘long lost’ and have remained largely unseen until this time. They provide a window on traditional life, the natural environment and the creative minds of some of WA’s Aboriginal children in the mid-20th century.
Four Elders who were at the school in the 1930s were consulted on its research and publication, with two of the Elders’ artwork being featured.
The publication provides a reflection from one of the Elders, Mrs Laurel Cooper, who speaks of her memories of the Mission, which is historically considered more progressive than similar institutions of the time.
Some of the artists featured in the publication would go on to achieve national recognition in their professional life and in their community.