Australiana > Indigenous

'Lyndall Ryan's new account of the extraordinary and dramatic story of the Tasmanian Aborigines is told with passion and eloquence. It is a book that will inform and move anyone with an interest in Australian history.' - Professor Henry Reynolds, University of Tasmania 'A powerful and insightful historical account about a unique island and its First peoples, their dispossession and their struggle for survival and cultural birth right/heritage that reaches from the deep past to the present day.' - Patsy Cameron, Tasmanian Aboriginal... read more

For 40,000 years the Central NSW area of Wellington was Aboriginal - Wiradjuri - land. Following the arrival of white men, it became a penal settlement, mission station, gold-mining town and farming centre with a history of white comfort and black marginalisation. In the late 20th century, it was also the subject of the first post-Mabo Native Title claim, bringing new hope - and new controversy - to the area and its people. Wiradjuri land is also where author Patti Miller was born and, mid-life, it begins to exert a compelling emot... read more

This beautifully produced book tells the story of Queenie McKenzie, a remarkable indigenous woman from the East Kimberley in Western Australia. Queenie was an exceptional teacher, elder and internationally recognised artist. Written In The Land explores her personal story and that of her country through her own words and is illustrated throughout with stunning landscape photos and reproductions of her artistic works. Queenie passed away at the end of 1998 leaving the memory of her leadership and her stories as told to Jennifer and ... read more

An insight into the reality of life in the Centre, from the MacDonnell Ranges and the textures and sounds of Arrernte culture, to the endemic violence, alcoholism and ill-health that are devastating Aboriginal lives. Illustrated with Rod Moss's evocative paintings and photographs, this is an artist's chronicle of the moments that have inspired him.

The Tall Man is the story of Palm Island, the tropical paradise where one morning Cameron Doomadgee swore at a policeman and forty minutes later lay dead in a watch-house cell.
It is the story of that policeman, the tall, enigmatic Christopher Hurley, who chose to work in some of the toughest and wildest places in Australia, and of the struggle to bring him to trial. Above all, it is a story in luminous detail of two worlds clashing - and a haunting moral puzzle that no reader will forget.

Presents a wealth of poetic and imaginative tales from Aboriginal cultural heritage. While retelling the stories simply, this book captures the mystical bonds that exist between Aboriginal people, their environment and the spirit life of the Dreamtime. Each story provides the reader with an insight into one of the oldest cultures.

A collection of legends representing the rich tapestry of beliefs of Aboriginal people throughout Australia. Tales range from creation stories to legends of animals, birds, rivers, lakes and shores, as well as hero stories. A dictionary of Aboriginal words is included.

A collection of over 70 stories that retell Aboriginal fables and legendary tales. These have been told by tribes over Australia for thousands of years. Subjects include how the black snake became poisonous and how the Murray River was formed.

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Australia's world-famous Aboriginal rock art can be found all over the country from Tasmania to the Kimberley. The paintings depict everyday events such as hunting and corroborees, as well as myths and legends. Godden's text explains the paintings and their stories, while Malnic's photographs capture their mystery and beauty.

THE COMPANION BOOK TO THE AWARD-WINNING TELEVISION SERIES 'First Australians' is the dramatic story of the collision of two worlds that created contemporary Australia. Told from the perspective of Australia's first people, it vividly brings to life the events that unfolded when the oldest living culture in the world was overrun by the world's greatest empire. Seven of Australia's leading historians reveal the true stories of individuals-both black and white-caught in an epic drama of friendship, revenge, loss and victory in Austral... read more

First Australian's is a landmark illustrated history of Australia that accompanies a major nine-part television series broadcast on SBS This is the story of the violent clash of culture, religion and ideas at the heart of Australia's history.

First Australians, the companion book to the SBS TV series, is the dramatic story of the collision of two worlds that created contemporary Australia. Told from the perspective of Australia's first people, it vividly brings to life the events that unfolded when the oldest living culture in the world was overrun by the world's greatest empire. Seven of Australia's leading historians reveal the true stories of individuals - both black and white - caught in an epic drama of friendship, revenge, loss and victory in Australia's most tran... read more

This is the true account of Doris Pilkington Garrmara's mother Molly, made legendary by the film Rabbit-Proof Fence. In 1931 Molly led her two sisters on an extraordinary, 1,600 kilometre walk across remote Western Australia. Aged 8, 11 and 14, they escaped the confinement of a government institution for Aboriginal children removed from their families. Barefoot, without provisions or maps, tracked by Native Police and search planes, the girls followed the rabbit-proof fence, knowing it would lead them home. Their journey - long... read more

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The exile of the Indigenous population of Hope Valley - in the coastal region of Cape York in far north Queensland - during World War II is a shameful yet seldom-told chapter in Indigenous Australian history. Roy McIvor was just 10 when he, his family and his community were rounded up by the military and shipped 1500 km south to Woorabinda because of allegations that his people were collaborating with the Japanese under the guidance of German Lutheran Missionary George Heinrich Schwarz. Roy's community was deserted by the authoriti... read more

With an analysis of the traditional, colonial, and contemporary experiences of indigenous Australians, this study examines various facets of the lives of Aboriginal Australians and shows how their struggles enrich the Australian community as a whole. Insightful and engaging, this reference presents an investigation on the continual struggle facing Aboriginals to maintain a strong identity and heritage while actively participating in and contributing to the modern world.

After immersing himself in the culture of a remote Australian Indigenous community for close to a year, a Japanese scholar emerged with a new world view. Gurindji Journey tells of his experience living with the Gurindji people of Daguragu and Kalkaringi in the Northern Territory, absorbing their way of life.