'Remember, the Aboriginal Publications Foundation was formed so that indigenous people could air their grievances. This is your chance to say what you think in your own magazine.
'A door has opened. Let your pen keep it open. Let the voice of the indigenous people be heard from one end of Australia to the other and even overseas.'
Identity (1971-82) was an initiative of the Aboriginal Publications Foundation, whose founding committee included Aboriginal leaders such as Oodgeroo Noonuccal (President), Douglas Nicholls (Vice President), Charles Perkins (Secretary), Gordon Briscoe (Treasurer) and Bob Randall, George Abdullah, Ken Hampton, Harry Nelson and John Moriarty.
The foundation's mission was to create 'a forum for Aboriginal opinion and an expression of Aboriginal literary and artistic talent'. (Identity Vol. 1 No. 1, July 1971, page 2)
Produced quarterly, the content within the magazine ranged from robust debate about political issues to community profiles featuring local football teams. Stories celebrated the achievements of the less-known and the well-known, while others held a critical lens to issues of national importance. The magazine was for everyone and attracted both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike.
Sensitivity warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that Identity contains images, voices and names of deceased persons. These images or names may cause sadness or distress, particularly to the relatives of the deceased.
Readers are advised that Identity issues may contain words or descriptions, including racialised language and mentions of violence, which reflect the author's attitude or that of the period in which the item was written. This may be considered inappropriate and cause trauma or offense in some circumstances.
The views expressed in Identity are not necessarily the views of AIATSIS. While the information may not reflect current understanding and values, it is provided for historical context to ensure truth-telling.
Copyright
The complete set of Identity issues were digitised by AIATSIS. Readers using the material on this online platform may make printouts for research purposes. Anyone wishing to reproduce this content for other purposes, or anyone wishing to display or publish this content, should in the first instance seek the permission of AIATSIS. If necessary, we can then refer the request to the appropriate copyright holder.
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If you are concerned that you have found material on an AIATSIS website:
- for which you as a copyright owner have not given permission
- which is a serious invasion of your privacy
- which contains content that is defamatory, offensive or objectionable under Australian law
- which breaches protocols regarding the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous cultural expressions, including the right to maintain, control, protect and develop intellectual property over the same.
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Redacted content
Please note some images, names or words have been redacted for copyright, privacy, sensitivity or cultural safety reasons. If you have queries about the redactions or wish to access the unredacted version, please request collection access.
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