Elder Ethel Robinson: Memories of Palm Island and Ancestral Ties

Elder Ethel Taylor Robinson, at 78 years old, stands as a pillar of wisdom and resilience within the Palm Island Aboriginal Community. Her life story is a tapestry woven with memories of her ancestors and her commitment to her community. Ethel's connection to Palm Island runs deep. Her father, a South AKA man, was born in Halifax alongside his brother, forming a lineage tied to the IRI Manga Island. "We are the descendants of the IRI Manga Island," Ethel proudly states, emphasizing the enduring legacy of her heritage.

Ethel shares the poignant tale of her father's name change upon arriving at Palm Island as a young boy. Originally named Mga, he was renamed Tom Curley due to his tightly curled hair. Reflecting on this, she remarks, "It was wrong. Which they shouldn't have done." This experience is a testament to the resilience of her family in the face of forced assimilation and cultural erasure.

Growing up, Ethel witnessed the strength of her ancestors, who, despite hardships, maintained a strong sense of community and cultural identity. She recalls her grandparents, Willie and Rosie, who rest in Halifax. Their resourcefulness and connection to the land are captured in her vivid memories of them gathering crabs with a tin bathtub and cooking them over an open fire. "That's the life," Ethel reminisces, underscoring the simplicity and richness of their existence.

Ethel's narrative also highlights the complex history of her family, marked by the impact of colonial practices. Her uncle, a white man, took advantage of her grandmother, a painful chapter that led to their relocation to Palm Island. Yet, Ethel's story is not one of defeat but of resilience and pride in her heritage. Her father's friendships with Italian boys in Ingham, like Angelo Pori, illustrate a community interwoven with diverse cultural threads.

Ethel Robinson's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Palm Island community, rooted in a profound sense of belonging and cultural pride. Through her voice, the legacy of her ancestors continues to thrive, guiding future generations.