Double Funeral at Barambah Aboriginal Settlement c1928

After the coming of the church and the missionaries we buried our people the white man’s way.

The small coffin is carried on a stretcher and the large coffin is carried on the shoulders of men.

On the day of the funeral, relatives and friends assemble at gates behind the hospital. A signal is given and they to proceed to the Morgue to view the body. After each person says their goodbyes, they return to the gates and wait. The bodies are bought from the Morgue for the funeral procession to the Cemetery.

There is not an under-taker on the settlement to prepare the deceased for burial. This is done by the nursing staff assisted by an Aboriginal policeman. The body would be taken to the Morgue a small building at the rear the hospital. The next of kin were notified and the funeral arrangements made by a staff member at the office.