Key Takeaways
- Maisie Harkin, an 88-year-old Aboriginal woman, has finally received her birth certificate after previous attempts were unsuccessful.
- Ms Harkin is one of 164 Aboriginal people over 50 who have had their births registered in Western Australia in the last six years.
- The lack of birth registration is a significant issue for Aboriginal people, particularly in remote communities, with 17% of First Nations births registered after the age of one.
- The Western Australian government is working to improve access to birth registration, including expanding its Community Engagement team to reach more people in remote communities.
- Having a birth certificate is crucial for accessing essential services, such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license or passport, and accessing entitlements.
Introduction to Maisie Harkin’s Story
Maisie Harkin, a member of the Stolen Generations, has had her birth registered at the age of 88, after previous attempts to obtain a birth certificate were unsuccessful. This significant event has brought a sense of identity and belonging to Ms Harkin, who was taken from her family as a child and placed in a mission. The Nanatadjarra woman from Western Australia’s Goldfields is one of 164 Aboriginal people over 50 who have had their births registered in the state in the last six years.
The Journey to Registration
Ms Harkin’s journey to registration was not an easy one. She was born in 1937 in the Great Victorian Desert, and her birth was not officially recorded. Aboriginal midwives helped deliver her, and she was later taken to Mount Margaret Mission, where she was raised. The mission was established in 1921, and it was here that Ms Harkin spent most of her childhood. The only records of her existence were made by anthropologist Norman Tindale, who visited the mission and recorded her entry. It wasn’t until 2007, when Ms Harkin wanted to travel to Israel with her church, that she attempted to obtain a birth certificate. However, her application was unsuccessful, and she was given a letter verifying that her birth certificate did not exist.
The Importance of Birth Registration
Having a birth certificate is crucial for accessing essential services, such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license or passport, and accessing entitlements. For Ms Harkin, having a birth certificate means that she is finally recognized as a person, and she can access the services she needs. The lack of birth registration is a significant issue for Aboriginal people, particularly in remote communities. According to a 2024 report by UNICEF Australia, 17% of First Nations births are registered after the age of one, compared to 3% of non-First Nations births. This can have a significant impact on people’s lives, preventing them from accessing critical services and opportunities.
The Role of Aboriginal History WA
Aboriginal History WA (AHWA) played a crucial role in helping Ms Harkin obtain her birth certificate. The organization’s lead researcher, Mark Chambers, found the necessary documents, including records from the mission and Dr Tindale’s anthropological records. AHWA’s coordinator of engagement and education, Dwayne Kelly, said that the organization receives several applications like Ms Harkin’s every year. The organization’s researchers look through hundreds, if not thousands, of records across different agencies and repositories to find the necessary information. Mr Kelly emphasized that birth certificates are a "starting block" for many people, and having one can make a significant difference in their lives.
Cementing Maisie’s Identity
For Ms Harkin’s family, the birth certificate is more than just an identity document. It is a recognition of her existence and a connection to her heritage. Her niece, Maria Meredith, said that the birth certificate is something that is often taken for granted by non-Aboriginal people. Ms Meredith emphasized that the Stolen Generations are a significant part of Australian history, and it is essential to acknowledge and recognize the experiences of Aboriginal people. Ms Harkin’s grandson, Linden Brownley, said that the recognition of her birth is significant, but it is also a reminder of a history when Aboriginal people did not "exist." He emphasized that the country is moving towards a space where Aboriginal people have more opportunities, and it is essential to right the wrongs of the past.
Closing the Gap in Birth Registrations
The Western Australian government is working to improve access to birth registration, particularly in remote communities. The registry has expanded its Community Engagement team to reach more people, including attending Aboriginal Justice Open Days. Attorney-General Tony Buti said that historical challenges are a barrier for First Nations people in WA, but a lack of access to registry offices in remote areas is a current challenge. Dr Buti emphasized that having a birth certificate is essential for accessing critical services, and the government is committed to closing the gap in birth registrations. Since getting her birth certificate, Ms Harkin and her family have been able to reconnect with their heritage, and they have visited their country for the first time since she left as a child.