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foreground of the image, but it is seen only partially. There is also a domesticated dingo
sitting between two of the women. The humpies are made of branches, leaves and what
appears to be either old canvas or blankets. The women and children are wearing nontraditional
clothes of dresses or shirts and shorts. Interestingly, knowledge is presented as
able to be critically constructed by students and used by the teacher as a learning opportunity,
with the description placed at the top of the image: “Aborigines near Kalgoorlie, W.A.”
followed by three questions running along below the image: “What indications are there of
poverty? Why do some Aborigines live under these conditions? What evidence is there of
contact with the white man?” (Blackmore et al., 1969, p. 167).
Source 6.37. “Aborigines near Kalgoorlie, W.A.” extract from Landmarks: A history
of Australia to the present day (Blackmore et al., 1969, p. 167).
6.8.4 Discourses of progress and hope.
Contemporary representations, within a larger topic of assimilation are included in some
depth in Australia and the near north (Connole, 1962), covering the following topics: the
missions; the government; health and housing; franchise; social service benefits, education;
and employment. The general discourse running through this chapter is one of progress with
hope for the future, especially regarding the full citizenship and participation in mainstream
society of Indigenous Australians. Throughout this section of the textbook, the perspective of
the author is made explicitly clear, for example, see Source 6.38.
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