The World War II photographs taken Damien Parer in Papua New Guinea of indigenous stretcher bearers and guides helping our injured diggers wade through swollen rivers are part of the shared Australian war experience.

It is an embarrassing truth that as Australia celebrates the Centenary of World War I this year most Australians are more aware of the role of the “fuzzy wuzzy angels” of PNG in Australia’s war with the Japanese than of our own indigenous diggers in this or other conflicts.

The reality is that the role of indigenous servicemen in numerous wars has gone largely unrecognised by Australians beyond their comrades in the armed forces.

The proud history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service in the armed forces should be a reminder to the broader population that indigenous Australians were prepared to serve and die for this country long before it was prepared to recognise them.

Commemorating that military participation through Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond is the official theme of NAIDOC Week but there are others. After marching down Summer Street yesterday in torrential rain Orange’s indigenous community gathered at the Orange Function Centre for the largest celebration yet seen in Orange.

Formalities included a focus on education with awards for children who had significant achievements in education and sport. 

Community leaders know that recognising and valuing achievements in these areas is important within the indigenous community if participation in high school and tertiary education is going to be improved.

Lifting indigenous participation in tertiary education to something approaching the national average is a 21st century battle we should all help win.