Curator's Cut: 'How the West was Lost'

In 1946, a group of Aboriginal stock workers went on strike in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia. This film shows how the most powerful forces in WA set about to illegally undermine the Aboriginal strikers and their supporter Don McLeod over a five-year period. Told by the strikers themselves, this is a story of state injustice and barbarism, pitched against the tremendous creativity and collective will of the most disadvantaged Australians. 

Following the screening we will be joined by Jan Richardson, who in 1969 lived and worked with the Nyangumarta, Nyamal, Nyiyaparli, Kariyarra Strikers’ group assisted by Don McLeod. Jan is currently writing a biography of Don McLeod. She now lives in Darwin and will share her reflections of  McLeod and the Aboriginal strikers’ struggle.  

This is part of the Northern Territory Library’s Curator’s Cut film series, screening rare films from the Library collection followed by a discussion with experts on the subject. 
 

2018 series to include:
Wednesday 3 October – Buffalo Legends
Wednesday 7 November – Country Outcasts and Sunshine Club: Days of Old Darwin
Wednesday 5 December – The Search for the Shell Encrusted Toilet Seat

This event is now fully booked. To join the wait list, please email libraryevents@nt.gov.au