Growing up an Indigenous Australian — Mrs Mangnoson shares her story
This NAIDOC Week (2–9 July 2023), we celebrate the story of Resthaven Marion resident, Mrs Betty Mangnoson, who shares her upbringing as an Indigenous Australian, and her lifelong advocacy to her community.
Mrs Mangnoson says, ‘I was the oldest of five siblings, and we grew up together with my English mother and Indigenous father, who was originally from Coorong Country, located in the Limestone Coast.’
‘My dad, Reginald, was a soldier in World War I, and met my mum in England during one of his deployments. They married shortly after, and mum relocated to Coorong Country, where they raised us kids.’
‘They were good parents, and we grew up with good heads on our shoulders. What I am most grateful for was the support and encouragement to understand my culture, and grow up with pride for my community.’
After the war, Ian found employment in the Adelaide Railways, and the family of seven had the opportunity to live across South Australia.
Later in life, Mrs Mangnoson went on to marry, and had four sons of her own, Robin, Peter, Herbie and David; but her nurturing didn’t stop at motherhood.
‘I worked for the Salvation Army Young Women’s Hostel for more than 20 years, and I became somewhat of an advocate for the Indigenous people who came through.’
During her work, Mrs Mangnoson came across Lowitja (Lois) O’Donohue—a well-known Australian activist who dedicated her life to Indigenous Australian’s rights and reconciliation—and they formed a close friendship.
‘It has always been a part of who I am to look after my community, and I feel proud of the work I was able to do in my younger years with Lois.’
After leaving the hostel, Mrs Mangnoson remarried, becoming the mother figure of seven more children, who carried on her legacy.
Mrs Mangnoson now has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and lives happily at Resthaven Marion.
Thank you for sharing your admirable story with us, Mrs Mangnoson.
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on Earth. The 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders.