Under a Bilari Tree I Born

by Alice Bilari Smith, Anna Vitenbergs, Loreen Brehaut

Bringing up nine children of your own is a major achievement in itself. Bringing up a further 15 foster children is truly remarkable. Alice Bilari Smith had lived in the Pilbara all her life, on stations and in the bush, on government reserves and in towns. As a girl on Rocklea Station she narrowly avoided removal from her family by "the Welfare." She grew up in the ways of her country, hunting, cooking, and building in the traditional manner. Some of her children were born in the bush, others in the hospital. By the time she had five children of her own she was playing an active role in caring for other Aboriginal children, and she initiated the establishment of the Homemakers Centre in Roebourne. Both a remarkable life and a typical life, Alice's story is insightful and inspiring.

Genres: Nonfiction

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[✨ jami ✨]

Under a Bilari Tree, I Born is Alice Bilari Smith's memoir describing her time growing up at Rocklea Station, learning traditional Aboriginal ways of living, and then her later life including living in Roebourne during the 80s.

I think this is intended for younger audiences, people maybe high school age, but I still thought it was a book highly worth reading. I enjoyed following Alice Smith's story and her exploration of Indigenous culture, especially in the way the culture was lost for many of those around her. The sections about motherhood and childbirth were really interesting.

Not rating due to the fact it just feels too personal to rate

[Toni Umar · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful memoir this was. It felt as if the author, Alice was sitting talking to me. I learnt so much as she described her childhood until current times when she is in her eighties. In a lovely way Alice discussed Australian history that she was a part of - for example the removal of ‘half caste’ children by the government. Alice spoke through the written word just how it was, with out judgement at all. The schooling of six of her children, far away at a ‘hostel’ but how it was worth that sacrifice to know they were able to attend school. So many things that most white Australians take for granted, Alice discusses with calmness and positivity. A four and half star read and I’m very thankful to Alice for sharing her thoughts and the other two authors for documenting Alice’s 2words just as she wanted.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Under a Bilari Tree I born' by Alice Bilari Smith piqued my interest as I lived in Roebourne for several years in the late 1980s. As the book indicates Roebourne in the late 1980s was shocking, dysfunctional and sad.
This biography, though, is a fantastic insight into indigenous lives and politics in Western Australia. Written in the singsong, lyrical English voice of Alice Bilari Smith, her story is affecting and insightful. It introduces non-indigenous Australia to the complex culture and relationships of indigenous people. It doesn't attempt to romanticise the culture just tells Alice Bilari's life story.
This book should be on every Australian school curriculum.

[Julie MacKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has significant cultural and historical value and therefore is worthwhile because of that. I didn't feel like it was a book that grabbed me though. It was okay and good to learn from. It was made from Alice Bilari's oral history, so it is written in the kind of English that she spoke, which I think is good, it feels a bit like you are sitting with her, listening to her telling her story.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, first recorded as an oral history and later transcribed, tells the story of Alice Bilari Smith, a Banyjima Aboriginal woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Born in 1928, she came close to becoming one of the stolen generation. Alice fostered 15 children and saw many societal changes over her lifetime. An interesting read about a time and place I didn’t know much about.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this re-telling of Alice’s upbringing, life and experiences a fantastic read. I appreciate how it was written exactly as it was spoken, that element added a personal feel which felt as though I was speaking to a friend. It was a quick read, and a great insight into a real life experience of early Australia as an Aboriginal woman. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Emma Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd book club read of 2022.

Enjoyable book, Alice has lead an amazing life. More First Nations persons stories need to be recorded as such.