The name is absent

189

self-determination now spreading beyond Strelley itse1F, a
V

movement within which control of schooling is seen as essential,
^fe-                                                  blft-**4⅞-*÷t⅛*-∙⅛

12.47 Autonomy and the economic structures of the group

The traditional way of life of the Aborigines has been denied
them by the usurpation of their land.

Members of the Strelley Mob after walking off cattle stations
lived by prospecting, gathering pearl shell and living off the
land. They sought first to lease, and later buy cattle stations
in order to achieve economic independence in occupations that
tradition-oriented Aborigines in the north of Western Australia
knew best - work on cattle stations.
/

Strelley station was known as the station most subjected to over-
grazing in the area. All kangaroos (a source of food for the
people) had been poisoned. Characteristically this was the only
station made available to the Aborigines, It is still in the
process of rehabilitation. Carlindi, Warralong and more recently
Lala Rookh, were taken over as enterprises which could in the future
become economically viable?.

The community share their income from social security funds and
station proceeds. This practice may be seen as the result of an
interaction between two traditions, a mutation of the rules
governing sharing in tribal days, and a new practice devised to
keep alive during the strike and its aftermath. The funds provide
for the aged, the sick and youth.

¹Cf. taped version of a community meeting at Turkey Creek,
where the people defied the missionaries in expressing their
wish to control their own school.

2

This must be understood in relative terms. The stations
could be returned to the point where they would support one
white family. They could support only at a low standard of living
a kinship group of Aborigines.

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