SENSITIVE CONTENT Research Material on Walgett [Dubbo, Walgett, Collarenebri, Boggabilla, Brewarrina, Angledool, Pilliga, Moree]

Due to the nature of the records, the Archives reserves the right to restrict, limit or refuse access to any item/s without prior notice, on the basis of personal privacy or out of respect for the rights and/or beliefs of First Nations people in accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network (ATSILIRN) protocols.

Language groups: Ngiyampaa, Gamilaraay [AUSTLANG defines Gamilaraay as the cover language for the Walgett region], Wiradjuri and Kogai.

From folder labelled, "Aborigines – Walgett". The notes include totemism, kinship sections, subsections and drawings, traditional medicine and assimilation.

The item is comprised of 5 bundles, 18 loose sheets of paper. Entries are variously handwritten in lead pencil/ink/typescript and contains texts and translations of Aboriginal language. 

Bundle 1, 3 pages: Contains handwritten research notes titled “Lecture”. Elkin refers to Ridley, Parker, Matthews, Howitt. Notes concern clan names, sections, some language. 

Bundle 2, 5 pages: Handwritten research notes titled “Influence of the Old” and “Problems of Contact”. Includes sections, totems, Language group sections, Medicine men or clever men and their powers.

Bundle 3, 2 pages: Handwritten research notes titled “Tribes”. References and citations to Parker and Tindall, and a hand-drawn map of the regional clans, are also included.

Bundle 4, 6 pages: Typescript document titled “Notes on the Aborigines of the Walgett District”. This is a copy of a published item by Elkin. Notes concern clan names/area, marriage rules, Medicine Men. Elkin refers to his published work entitled 'Aboriginal Men of High Degree'. See published version “Notes on the Aborigines of the Walgett District” Mankind, Vol 3, No 7, 1945 (April) pp 207-212.

Bundle 5, 2 pages: Typescript folio appears to be minutes taken from Walgett District War Agricultural Committee at which Elkin was present to discuss issues with liquor laws in Walgett. Jean Craig also present along with Ridley, Marshall, Keen, Phelps and Howard (by invitation) n.d.

Places: Bourke, Dubbo, Walgett, Collarenebri, Boggabilla, Brewarrina, Angledool, Pilliga, Moree.

Mid North Coast Library Service https://mnclibrary.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Notes-on-the-Aborigines-of-the-North-Coast-of-NSW.pdf Accessed 07/11/2023