Scenes
AO Neville - Files and Cards
With a reputation for efficiency and a zeal for his work, AO Neville administered Aboriginal affairs in Western Australia from his offices at 57 Murray Street using an extraordinary system of files and cards.
57 Murray St - Whadjuk Smoking Ceremony
Barnam Warra Kartaga Longa Koort Boomgur (Clearing away bad memories pressed close to the heart) presents the smoking ceremony held at 57 Murray Street, Perth in Western Australia by Whadjuk Noongar Elders.
Aboriginal lives were profoundly impacted by government policies and practices administered from 57 Murray Street, Perth between 1912 and 1945.
AO Neville, the Chief Protector of Aborigines, enacted oppressive legislation from offices in this building. This involved the systematic control of day to day lives of Aboriginal people including the removal of children from families.
The smoking ceremony at this National Trust of Western Australia place was held to cleanse the building, its energy and the strong emotions associated with a painful legacy, while providing a positive future for all who come to 57 Murray Street.