• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE4441

Smith, Christina

  • Maiden name Menzies, Christina
    Former married name Stewart, Christina
(1809 – 1893)
  • Born 25 July 1809, Glenlyon, Perthshire, , Scotland
  • Died 28 April 1893, Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia
  • Occupation Missionary, Teacher

Summary

Christina Smith worked with Aboriginal people, the Booandik (Buandig) in the Rivoli Bay area of South East Australia and in Mount Gambier. She recorded their customs, legends and social relationships for future generations. In 1854 the family moved to Mount Gambier where they established a night school, cared for Aboriginal orphans and taught adults of mixed race until the death of her husband, James Smith in 1860. In 1865, Christina eventually established a school and home for local Aboriginal children with funding she obtained from Lady Burdett-Coutts. The school however closed in 1868 due to loss of support and an epidemic and became a home for Aborigines.

Published resources

  • Resource Section
  • Book
    • The Booandik tribe of South Australian aborigines: a sketch of their habits, customs, legends, and language : also an account of the efforts made by Mr and Mrs James Smith to Christianise and civilise them., Smith, James, Mrs, 1880
  • Resource

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