ONE Boandik family has been recognised across the nation after their extensive history was published in the Indigenous Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Boandik elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr’s story of her great-grandmother Annie Brice is now open to a wider audience after the article was published earlier this year.
Annie is known across the South East for her extensive contribution to the community in the 19th century, particularly in the women’s rights and justice sphere.
Born around 1849 at an Aboriginal camp near Penola station, Annie gained notoriety after representing herself in court seeking three weeks of unpaid wages.
Although the case was rejected, Annie showed she was prepared to fight for justice.
Aunty Michelle said she was touched by the significant recognition of her family’s history.
“The article has links to other major historical figures from Annie’s life which I think is fantastic as it adds to the story,” Aunty Michelle said.
“People who come across Annie’s story can also read about Alexander Cameron, Christina Smith and Mary MacKillop, all of who play an important part.”
Aunty Michelle said her great-grandmothers story was developed after another author researched information for a history novel.
“The writer wished to mention Annie in his historical novel which is where the ball started rolling,” she said.
“From there the universities checked all the information on Annie and approved it as true.
“This alone has so much meaning for myself and my family as it is an important part of who we are.”
The Boandik elder said the recognition demonstrated her family’s importance in history and stood proud of the remarkable achievements of her great-grandmother.
The significant milestone follows the release of Aunty Michelle’s own children’s novel based around Annie’s life.
The book showcases the life her great-grandmother lead and the importance of her achievements during her time.
Now, the elder is working towards transforming the book into a stage-play which she hopes can be performed to schools around the region.
“I recently secured a Country Arts SA grant last year for Indigenous writers,” she said.
“This has allowed me to work with some intuitive Indigenous writers to further Annie’s story into a play.”
Aunty Michelle will travel to Adelaide next year to see her play performed among the Country Arts SA funding group, where she can further adjust it before being performed professionally.
“I am hoping to have it performed at schools or even at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre,” Aunty Michelle said.
