Bandler, Faith (1918–)
Bandler, Faith (1918–)
Australian author and Aboriginal activist. Born Ida Lessing Faith Mussing, Sept 27, 1918, in Tumbulgum, Murwillumbah, New South Wales; dau. of Ida and Wacvie Mussingkon (Pacific Islander whose name was anglicized to Peter Mussing); educated at Murwillumbah public schools and Cleveland Street Night School; m. Hans Bandler, 1952; children: 1 daughter.
A primary force in Aboriginal rights, 1st became involved in politics after she was accused of having Communist sympathies and had her passport seized when she returned to Australia from Bulgaria; became activist for Aboriginal rights and helped found Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship (AAF) with Pearl Gibbs; active in The Federal Council for Advancement of Aborigines; refused offer of Medal of the Order of the British Empire (1976) for her activism, denying English claim to her country; received Medal of Order of Australia (1984); published Wacvie (1977), the life story of her father; with Len Fox, wrote several histories of Aboriginal culture and history, including Marani in Australia (1980), The Time Was Right (1984) and Turning the Tide (1988); also wrote Welon, My Brother (1984).
See also Women in World History.