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Fred Maynard and the Awakening of Aboriginal Political Consciousness and Activism in the Twentieth Century Australia
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'This study examines the origins and early development of organised Aboriginal political activism of the twentieth century. The importance of the study has two aspects; it reveals a significant but missing chapter in the history of this continent and it is fundamental in understanding the flaws in the imperial metaphor of historical discourse. The historical evaluation of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association contained in this thesis is of critical importance to the revision of Australian Aboriginal history. Within that construct, it is intended to critique the nature of history. Why and how is it constructed? History in the Western sense is fundamentally about power and control. The research process of this study will examine the constructed Aboriginal place in history. Throughout the course of this study the methods used for the research process will be under continual review. The questions will be raised: Is there a tangible Aboriginal research methodology? If so, what are the guidelines in such an approach?'
Source: Thesis synopsis.
Notes
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PhD Thesis, School of Aboriginal Studies, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle, 2002.
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Epigraph: ' The Aboriginal nation, as a nation of the spirit ... a nation without land or hope, a nation of underprivilege, [sic] has existed, probably, from about a generation after Captain Cook landed Occasionally you meet one of its patriots, one of those people, who, whatever their intermediate likes and loyalties, can be seen to cast their ultimate sympathy, the core of their feelings with this Aboriginal nation. .. one does not meet many Aboriginal patriots because it takes a special kind of vision to be one. And it takes courage.
(Kevin Gilbert, Because a White Man'll Never Do It. p.193.)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
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'The Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA), begun in 1924, is little heard of today, but today's Aboriginal political movement is drawn from these roots. In this exploration of the life of founder, Fred Maynard, John Maynard reveals the commitment and sacrifices made by these Aboriginal heroes. Decades earlier than is commonly understood, Aboriginal people organised street rallies and held well-publicised regional and metropolitan meetings. The AAPA showed incredible aptitude in using newspaper coverage, letter writing and petitions, and collaborated with the international black movement through Maynard's connections with Marcus Garvey, first president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). The AAPA's demands resonate today: Aboriginal rights to land, preventing Aboriginal children being taken from their families, and defending a distinct Aboriginal cultural identity.'
Source: Trove.
