Bill Onus

Object First Nations On display

To Bill Onus (1906-68), sharing his culture was an act of resistance and reclamation of power. From the 1930s, the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta activist, artist and entrepreneur had roles in several Australian films, documented Aboriginal life through home movies and is likely one of the first Aboriginal filmmakers, with a recently discovered silent 1946 film credited to him. Through Forgotten People (1967) and Alcheringa (1962), Bill demonstrated his ongoing commitment to self-representation through screen culture. He helped establish the Aborigines Advancement League and campaigned for the ‘YES’ vote in the 1967 Referendum. Through his factory and shop, Aboriginal Enterprises, he shared his art and culture, selling boomerangs and other pieces.

This work contains First peoples content

Works in this group

Boys on set of Bill Onus’ silent film

Australia, 1946

Bill Onus hosting Alcheringa

Australia, 1962

Bill Onus boomerangs

Australia, c. 1950s

Bill Onus boomerangs

Australia, c. 1950s

‘How to throw a boomerang’ leaflet

Australia, c. 1950s

Bill Onus campaigns ‘Vote Yes for Aboriginal Rights’

Australia, 1967

Bill Onus portrait

Australia, c. 1940s

Alcheringa cast and crew

Alcheringa cast and crew

Australia, 1962

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Collection

Not in ACMI's collection

On display until

16 February 2031

ACMI: Gallery 1

Collection metadata

ACMI Identifier

Curatorial section

The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Australia → MA-07. First Peoples: Our stories, our way → MA-07-01 Bill Onus

Collected

22215 times

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If you would like to cite this item, please use the following template: {{cite web |url=https://acmi.net.au/works/107707--bill-onus/ |title=Bill Onus |author=Australian Centre for the Moving Image |access-date=30 March 2023 |publisher=Australian Centre for the Moving Image}}