Indigenous Anzacs

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been serving in Australia’s military for more than a century.

During the first world war, over one thousand Indigenous men and women enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, and were amongst the first of Australia’s Anzacs.

Indigenous soldier Cecil Grant (middle row, 4th from right) with his comrades serving in the Middle East during World War II. (Image source: abc.net.au)

“Despite institutional racism, government policy and laws that limited Indigenous participation at the time, many still chose to enlist to help to serve their country. For most of these men, joining the defence force afforded greater equality than in general Australian society.

First Nations soldiers were recognised for their bravery and gallantry and were awarded honours, yet there remained a long way to go in the way of racial equality in Australia.”

Today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women continue to serve as a valued part of the defence force, and are recognised for their unique knowledge and skillsets as this country’s first people and original caretakers of the land.

On this day - Anzac Day - we celebrate the bravery and dedication of the men and women who have risked their lives to serve our country. We express our undying gratitude to them for having risked their lives to ensure that we could safely live ours.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Life Apparel celebrates and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging for their generosity and custodianship of Country throughout Australia.

We recognise and honour the ongoing connection and deep spiritual relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to this Country, and acknowledge the unique role they play in caring for and protecting it for future generations. As an Australian-led boutique label and proud allies, we demonstrate our respect for First Nations peoples through our commitments to environmentally sustainable and ethical business practices. We recognise their continuing connection to land and waters, and thank them for protecting our natural resources and ecosystems.

Indigenous Anzacs

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