News ReconciliationStories about Australia’s journey to equality and unity

Recognition What next for constitutional reform?

Karen Mundine Meet the woman spearheading reconciliation

Indigenous style Top End fashions hot off the catwalk – and more

ROB COLLINS THE WRONG GIRL STAR OPENS UP ABOUT HIS TIWI ROOTS AND ACTING FAME

38 October 2017 Reconciliation News is a national magazine produced by Reconciliation Australia twice a year. Its aim is to inform and inspire readers with stories relevant to the process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-.

CONTACT US JOIN THE CONVERSATION

www.reconciliation.org.au/get-involved/ www.facebook.com/ReconciliationAus

[email protected] twitter.com/RecAustralia

02 6273 9200 @reconciliation_australia

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges the Traditional Reconciliation Australia is an independent, not-for- Owners of Country throughout Australia and profit organisation promoting reconciliation by building recognises their continuing connection to lands, relationships, respect and trust between the wider waters and communities. We pay our respects to Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Islander peoples. Visit reconciliation.org.au Elders both past and present. to find out more.

Cover image: Logie Award-winning Indigenous actor from hit television drama The Wrong Girl. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES 8 Changing the constitution 11 Continuing the fight for meaningful recognition

11 Leading man Rob Collins on acting, diverse roles and the Tiwi Islands

14 Australia Day Why we need a unifying national day

17 Making the grade Schools vie for national reconciliation awards

20 Bright sparkie Young Indigenous mum paves way for women in mining

26 Must-reads Ten important books on Indigenous cultures, histories and politics

REGULARS 4 Reconciliation recap 4 24 6 CEO column

7 Calendar

22 In conversation

24 Style

17 4 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

RECONCILIATION RECAP

SIX MONTHS IN REVIEW

Clinton Pryor’s 5500-kilometre walk 3 September across Australia came to an end Cross-country walk for justice with his arrival at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. The Majuk, Balardung, Jika and Yulparitja man set off from Western Australia almost a year ago in protest of the forced closure of Aboriginal communities. Clinton’s journey saw him visit Aboriginal communities in some of the most remote parts of Australia, and meet politicians in Canberra to call for justice for Indigenous people across the country.

2–9 July 6 August NAIDOC Week Leaders respond to Referendum #OurLanguagesMatter Council report The theme of NAIDOC Week 2017 Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten responded – Our Languages Matter – aimed to to the recommendations of the Referendum Council’s final report in their celebrate the unique and essential speeches at Garma cultural festival in north-east Arnhem Land, Northern role that Indigenous languages play Territory. Mr Turnbull said the recommendations were being considered by in cultural identity. The Australian Cabinet but warned that Australians are “constitutionally conservative”. Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census Mr Shorten said Labor fully supported the recommendations for a revealed that one in 10 Aboriginal constitutionally enshrined voice, a truth-telling process and treaties between and Torres Strait Islander Australians Indigenous people and Australian governments. said they speak an Indigenous language at home, with 150 languages reported. Many of those languages are at risk of being lost as Elders pass on. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 5

26 May Release of historic Uluru Statement from the Heart

“In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 The Referendum Council released an historic statement at Uluru, calling for we seek to be heard. We leave base the establishment of a ‘First Nations Voice’ in the Australian Constitution. camp and start our trek across As well as rejecting the notion of symbolic recognition, the Uluru Statement this vast country. We invite you from the Heart recommended the establishment of a ‘Makarrata Commission’ to walk with us in a movement of that would oversee agreement-making and truth-telling between governments the Australian people for a better and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The council’s final report was future.” – Uluru Statement from the released on 30 June 2017 [see pp. 8-10 for more details]. Heart (26 May)

Ashleigh Gardner became the first 26 June Aboriginal woman to represent First Aboriginal woman in Australia in the Cricket World Cup Cricket World Cup when the team played their first game of the tournament against the West Indies in England. Gardner is a proud Muruwari woman from northern NSW and was only 19 years old at the 23 May time of selection. Earlier in 2017 she Plan for healing Stolen became only the second Indigenous Generations woman to play for Australia, and the first to do so since Faith Thomas The Healing Foundation released an in 1958. ‘action plan for healing’ to mark the 20th anniversary of the landmark National Reconciliation Week marked Bringing Them Home report into two extra special anniversaries this forced child removals. year. May 27 marked 50 years since The new report – Bringing Them the 1967 referendum, which saw Home 20 Years On – highlights the more than 90 per cent of Australians negative impact of Australia’s failure vote to give the Commonwealth the to implement the recommendations power to make laws for Aboriginal from the ‘Stolen Children’ National and Torres Strait Islander peoples Inquiry. It also outlines how we can 27 May – 3 June and recognise them in the national actively support healing for Stolen Milestone anniversaries census. June 3 was the 25th Generations and their descendants. celebrated anniversary of the Mabo decision, which paved the way for Native Title. 6 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

CEO COLUMN

It is a great pleasure to write my first column for Reconciliation News as CEO of Reconciliation Australia.

The past six for influential women from around the people at the heart of the matter months since the country to come together, develop – regarding their perspectives on last edition was connections and have important constitutional recognition. released have been conversations about Australia’s very eventful. reconciliation journey. The consultations revealed a number of key issues important to Australia’s First One of the We have been in touch with the group Peoples, including a voice to parliament, highlights for me participants in the weeks since the agreement-making and truth-telling was attending festival and I am thrilled to report that about our history. this year’s Garma festival with a group many are making plans for further of incredible women from some of action in support of the advancement Reconciliation Australia has long Australia’s leading corporate, non-profit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocated for genuine reform that and community organisations. It was a peoples. is based on the participation and special privilege for us to be welcomed perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres and hosted by Djapirri Mununggirritj, a Another significant event within the past Strait Islander peoples. Accordingly, we Yolngu elder and Reconciliation Australia six months has been the release of the support the aspirations outlined in the board member. Referendum Council’s final report. Uluru Statement from the Heart. The recommendations put forward The festival, held on the land of the in the report have been cause for In this next phase of the journey, Gumatj people, Gulkula in the Northern significant consideration and reflection Reconciliation Australia will work closely Territory, from 2 to 8 August, is about recognising Aboriginal and Torres with government, Aboriginal and Torres described as “the Indigenous equivalent Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Strait Islander organisations, educators, of the World Economic Forum”. It is a Constitution. businesses and the wider community to platform for the discussion of economic progress this longstanding issue. The Referendum Council, which challenges and opportunities for I hope you enjoy this edition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander was tasked with determining if and how constitutional change should Reconciliation News and thank you for peoples, and for preserving and being part of our national reconciliation maintaining culture. take shape, conducted extensive consultations with Aboriginal and journey. An important contribution that Torres Strait Islander peoples as part Reconciliation Australia makes to the of its work. These consultations were Garma festival each year is bringing significant because they were designed together a Garma Women’s Group. and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Karen Mundine In doing so, we create a rare opportunity Islander Australians themselves – the CEO, Reconciliation Australia

GARMA WOMEN’S GROUP 2017: L-R back: Indu Balachanbran (NCIE), Yvette Manolas (Woodside), Karen Wood (BHP Foundation), Jocelyn Grant (’ Capital), Andrea Mason (NYP Women’s Council), Emily Carter (Fitzroy Women’s Resource Centre), Sarah Ryan (Woodside), Judy Slatyer (Australian Red Cross), Julie Kantor (Annamila Foundation), Melinda Cilento (Reconciliation Australia), Lynn Kraus (Ernst & Young) and Shelley Roberts (Compass Group). L-R middle: Alison Creagh CSC (Australian War Memorial), Christine Bartlett (The Smith Family), Hannah Cilento, Romilly Madew (Green Building Association), Robi Stanton (Turner International), Djapirri Mununggirritj (Reconciliation Australia), Cathie Armour (ASIC), Nicola Wakefield Evans (Lendlease), Holly Kramer (Woolworths) and Natasha Jayaratne (Reconciliation Australia). L-R front: Nicole Bowman (Reconciliation Australia), Karen Mundine (Reconciliation Australia) and Monica Lindemann (Reconciliation Australia). Issue no. 38 / October 2017 7

CALENDAR

SPECIAL DAYS EVENTS

A Change is Gonna Come – Festival of Mosman – Ancient Whale resistance exhibition Dreaming Ceremony 10 When: Until 30 January 2018 When: Saturday 21 October 2017 from December Where: First Australians Focus Gallery, National 5.00am to 8.00am Museum of Australia, Canberra Where: Balmoral Beach, Sydney Human Rights Day Price: Free Price: Free Info: nma.gov.au Info: festivalofmosman.net

Songlines – Tracking the Seven Sisters Welcoming Place – Indigenous Plant Use When: Until 25 February 2018 When: 26 October 2017 from 26 Where: National Museum of Australia, Canberra 10:30am to 12:30pm January Price: $15 adult, $12 Museum Friends or Where: Deception Bay Library, Deception Bay concession, $7 child, $40 family plus Price: Free Australia Day/ booking fee Invasion Day/ Info: moretonbay.qld.gov.au Survival Day Info: nma.gov.au The 3 Rivers Festival Namatjira Story When: 19 November 2017 When: 1 to 30 October 2017 Where: Moama Sports Club, Moama 13 Where: Queensland Art Gallery – Gallery of Price: Free February Modern Art, South Brisbane Info: facebook.com/3riversfestival Price: Free National Info: qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/ Apology Day Unfinished Business – Stories from indigenous-australian-collection Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Disabilities Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir When: 30 November 2017 to and the Vienna Boys’ Choir perform Songs 20 January 2018 of My Country Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Canberra 16 When: 10 October 2017 from March Price: Free 7:00pm to 10:30pm Info: unfinishedbusiness.net.au National Close Where: Sydney Opera House, Sydney the Gap Day Price: $36 plus booking fee The Koorie Art Show 2017 Info: gondwana.org.au/whats-on When: 9 December 2017 to 11 February 2018 Where: Level 1, Yarra Building, Federation Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir and the Vienna Boys’ Choir perform Songs Square, Melbourne 21 of My Country Price: Free March When: 13 October 2017 from Info: koorieheritagetrust.com.au 7:00pm to 10:30pm Harmony Day Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns Price: $36 plus booking fee Info: gondwana.org.au/whats-on 8 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

SEEKING RECOGNITION: Recognise THE JOURNEY TO supporters watch on as Yolngu dancers perform at the Garma CONSTITUTIONAL festival in 2013. RECOGNITION

Over the past 26 years Reconciliation Australia and its forebear, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, have worked to promote greater understanding, equality and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

During this time, Reconciliation Australia developed a five-dimensional framework for reconciliation. The framework is informed by a review of reconciliation in Australia and internationally. It provides a contemporary definition of ‘reconciliation’ that serves to guide our work, and a measure by which we can assess our progress towards a just and equitable Australia. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 9

The five inter-related dimensions that contribute equally to national reconciliation are:

• Race relations: All Australians • Institutional integrity: The active • Historical acceptance: understand and value Aboriginal support of reconciliation by the All Australians understand our nation’s and Torres Strait Islander cultures, nation’s political, business and history and accept the enduring creating stronger relationships based community structures. impact of past events and policies on on trust and respect. the First Peoples of Australia. • Unity: An Australian society that • Equality and equity: Aboriginal values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Torres Strait Islander cultures as participate equally in a range of life a proud part of our shared national opportunities and enjoy the same identity. wellbeing as other Australians.

Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres In this time, the campaign attracted the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Strait Islander peoples in the Australian support from more than 300,000 Islander peoples to take “their rightful Constitution, our nation’s founding Australians, held more than place in this nation”, to Prime Minister document, is an action that will 365 events and travelled more than John Howard in 2007, who promised contribute to progress across the 39,000 kilometres. It was backed by a referendum seeking to amend the five dimensions of reconciliation. It is more than 180 partner organisations, constitution to “recognise the special an action Reconciliation Australia is including some of the largest sporting status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait compelled to support. The importance and business groups in the country, and Islanders as the first peoples of our of recognition was described increased awareness of advocacy for nation”; our recent political leaders have poignantly by Indigenous leader and constitutional reform from 30 per cent all have advocated change and redress. 1978 Australian of the Year Galarrwuy to 76 per cent of Australians. None of These promising intentions never came Yunupingu: this would have been achieved without to pass. They nevertheless confirm that the dedication and effort of Recognise constitutional recognition is longstanding “Recognise us for who we are, and supporters. and unfinished business for the nation. ** not who you want us to be. Let us be who we are – Aboriginal people While the campaign has made a More recently, the journey was taken in a modern world – and be proud significant contribution to the journey up again with the appointment of the of us. Acknowledge that we have towards constitutional recognition, it 2012 Expert Panel on Constitutional survived the worst that the past had was not the first to do so – nor will it Recognition of Indigenous Australians thrown at us, and we are here with be the last. Aboriginal and Torres Strait (on whose recommendation the our songs, our ceremonies, our land, Islander peoples have long struggled for Recognise campaign was created), our language and our people – our constitutional recognition. As far back the 2014 Aboriginal and Torres Strait full identity. What a gift this is that we as Yorta Yorta elder William Cooper’s Islander Peoples Act of Recognition can give you, if you choose to accept letter to King George VI (1937), the Review Panel, and the 2015 us in a meaningful way.” Yirrkala Bark Petitions (1963), the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on For the past five years, Reconciliation Larrakia Petition (1972) and the Barunga Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal Australia has overseen the Recognise Statement (1988), First Peoples have and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. campaign in advocating for meaningful sought a fair place in our country. * Then, in December 2015, Prime Minister constitutional recognition of Australia’s Our recent political leaders have also Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader First Peoples. The five-year government- consistently expressed a desire for Bill Shorten established the Referendum funded campaign aimed to highlight constitutional reform and to correct the Council to consult specifically with the absence of any reference to First original omission of First Peoples from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the constitution, and raise our constitution. From Prime Minister peoples about their views on meaningful awareness of the need for change. Gough Whitlam in 1972, who spoke of recognition. The council embarked on

* ‘Rom Watangu – The Law of the Land’, The Monthly, July 2016. ** Referendum Council Final Report, 30 June 2017. 10 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

POLITICAL RESPONSE: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull walk to stage at Garma Festival 2017 to give their responses to the Referendum Council’s report. Copyright of the Yothu Yindi Foundation. a series of 12 dialogues across the The dialogues also revealed that there where it’s at today. At the same time, we country, culminating in the National are two additional matters of great ask you to stay with us because your Constitutional Convention at Uluru in importance to Aboriginal and Torres support will also be vital on the next part May 2017. Strait Islander peoples. These are of the reconciliation journey. Our focus unrelated to constitutional reform, but right now is on creating a concrete plan The dialogues engaged 1200 Aboriginal fundamental to national reconciliation. of action for this next stage, together and Torres Strait Islander delegates – They are: a process for agreement- with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander an average of 100 delegates from making, or treaty, and the facilitation organisations and leadership, and each regional dialogue – in order to of local and regional truth-telling. we will keep you informed of these reach a consensus as to the views Reconciliation Australia strongly developments as they evolve. and priorities of Indigenous peoples. supports the recommendations of the The government is yet to respond to This is the most proportionately council and will continue to support the Referendum Council’s report – and significant consultation process that has meaningful constitutional recognition we will be steadfast in holding them to ever been undertaken with First Peoples of Australia’s First Peoples in the years account. regarding constitutional reform, and this ahead, building on the great work of is why their voices must be heard. the Recognise campaigners and all As Mr W Wanungmurra, signatory to the On 30 June 2017, the council handed those who preceded them. We also Yirrkala Petition, so clearly expressed its report to the Prime Minister and the support truth-telling as a means of on its 50th anniversary in 2013: Leader of the Opposition. It carried truly understanding and accepting our “If there’s no place for Aboriginal rights just two recommendations: 1. That history, and healing the hurt that remains in the constitution, there’s no place for a referendum be held to provide for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait our rights outside of it. We are the first in the Australian Constitution for a Islander people. people of this continent and we need representative body that gives Aboriginal to be recognised in the body of the and Torres Strait Islander First Nations a Without undertaking this work, we constitution.” *** It is now up to this voice to the Commonwealth Parliament. cannot achieve national reconciliation, generation to make it happen. 2. That an extra-constitutional nor realise our aspiration for a just Declaration of Recognition be enacted and equitable Australia. At the same by legislation passed by all Australian time, the movement for constitutional parliaments, ideally on the same day, recognition will continue. to articulate a symbolic statement of recognition to unify Australians. To our Recognise supporters: we are deeply grateful for your time, energy, donations and efforts, which have been integral to changing attitudes across the country and advancing reconciliation to

*** ‘Yirrkala bark petitions: A turning point in recognition of Indigenous rights’, ABC News, 10 July 2013. Mr Wanungmurra passed away in August 2015. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 11

ON SCREEN: Rob Collins stars opposite Jessica Marais in “EVERYONE NEEDS AN television drama ANCHOR IN THIS LIFE” The Wrong Girl.

Rob Collins is back at home in Darwin after wrapping up filming on the latest season of The Wrong Girl. He opens up about his Tiwi roots, playing non-Indigenous roles and the importance of family.

When Rob Collins accepted the Silver Logie Award for best new talent earlier this year, he spoke in the language of his ancestors from the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin. His words were broadcast onto the television screens of more than 1.7 million viewers, who watched on as Australian television’s highest honours were handed out. It was an important gesture for Collins to make in front of a whopping national audience, given the critical need to preserve Indigenous languages that are in danger of dying out. 12 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

“That’s what it means to me to be Tiwi, and to be able to speak my language. We lose that, we lose everything.”

Language and the revival of Indigenous “Everyone needs an anchor in this life. “I really fear our elders are dying at languages have been an important Something safe, familiar, that reminds a faster rate than the preservation of theme for Collins, who starts in Ten’s you who you are, and that you’re language can keep up with,” he says. hit television drama The Wrong Girl, in connected to something bigger than both his personal life and career. yourself. Something that defines and “Being a dad, I want to pass the His mother is a Wurrumiyanga woman uplifts you and marks your place in the language on to my children, and the from the south-eastern tip of Bathurst world,” he says. thought of them losing that connection Island, which is one of two inhabited actually turns my stomach.” “That’s what it means to me to be Tiwi, islands in the Tiwi Islands group (the Collins plays Waruu West in ABC TV’s other is Melville). He spent a lot of time and to be able to speak my language. We lose that, we lose everything.” Cleverman, a critically acclaimed sci-fi on the Tiwis when he was growing up drama where the Aboriginal characters and even went to school there for a Indigenous languages that are still speak (NSW mid-north while. His uncles, aunties and cousins spoken today are at risk of being lost as coast) and Bundjalung (northern NSW) still live there, so he tries to visit a elders pass away. The need to protect, languages. Cleverman broke ground few times a year. Being able to speak preserve and strengthen traditional in terms of diversity on Australia Tiwi is not just about being able to languages is something that Collins feels television by featuring an 80 per cent communicate, Collins explains. It is an “personally and acutely”. Indigenous cast. Set in a dystopian integral part of his identity. future, Cleverman follows the story Issue no. 38 / October 2017 13

of an Indigenous superhero and a It was only four years ago that persecuted mythological race who must Collins graduated from the National live in hiding from the government. It has Institute of Dramatic Arts at the been well received not only in Australia relatively advanced age of 33. but also the US, and was nominated Prior to successfully auditioning for alongside Beyonce’s visual album the prestigious acting school at the Lemonade for a prestigious Peabody suggestion of a director he met while Award for electronic media. acting in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Darwin, Collins had While Collins is proud of the platform thought of acting as “just for fun” and that Cleverman gives to Indigenous had “no thought of making a serious languages and characters, he also feels career out of it”. Soon after completing strongly about the importance his studies, Collins landed the role of of seeing Indigenous actors in Mufasa in the stage adaption of Disney’s non-Indigenous roles. The Lion King. And his career has “It’s important creatively for actors to “snowballed” since then. play diverse roles, but I think it’s more “There’s definitely more folk recognising important that what you see on screen me since The Wrong Girl, I guess should be just as diverse as what you because network telly has that reach. see on the street,” he says. But I actually have never had that feeling “That, in turn, is important because that I’ve ‘arrived’,” he says. the film and TV industry has huge “I think it’s probably because success sway in influencing our collective social in this industry can be a fleeting thing, conscience.” and something I feel I have to constantly In The Wrong Girl, Collins plays work at.” charming TV chef Jack Winters – a Despite his achievements, memories of non-Indigenous character. Getting to tougher times are not far beneath the star alongside Australian television surface. Collins recalls the sacrifices sweetheart Jessica Marais was part his wife, Laetitia Lemke, and their three of the allure of the job, but “what really children made so that he could pursue sealed the deal” was the opportunity to his dreams. He describes the time play a non-stereotypical role. they came to see him on stage in “The opportunity to audition for a role The Lion King as simultaneously the that didn’t box me as Indigenous was most exciting, memorable and proud important for me. More opportunities moment of his career, because it was proof their efforts were all worth it. BREAKTHROUGH: like that should be given to our mob,” Rob Collins in his Collins says. “It had been such a hard slog to get to first television role as Cleverman’s Waruu. “Saying I want the same casting that point. Uprooting my family, tearing opportunities as non-Indigenous actors my kids out of their community and doesn’t rule out the fact that as an friend groups, having my wife put her “All actors struggle to a Indigenous actor I’m part of a unique career on hold for me – it all culminated greater or lesser degree, group of artists that had to overcome in that moment,” he says. but there’s no denying significant hurdles to get to where they “We were together, and we felt for Indigenous actors got,” he continues. the first time that we were going to have a particular set of “All actors struggle to a greater or be okay.” experiences tied to lesser degree, but there’s no denying their culture.” Indigenous actors have a particular set of experiences tied to their culture.” 14 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

SHOULD WE CHANGE THE DATE OF AUSTRALIA DAY?

Public debate about changing the date of Australia Day has intensified in recent months, as three local government councils moved to change the way they mark the occasion. Reconciliation News considers the arguments as to why 26 January is not an appropriate date to celebrate, if Australia Day is to be an occasion that all Australians can accept and enjoy.

INTRODUCTION HISTORY Each year, the Australia Day holiday raises complex questions Arthur Phillip arrived at Sydney Cove and raised the national about our country’s national identity. This year has been no flag of the United Kingdom on 26 January 1788. In doing different. so, he founded the settler colony of NSW and, at the same time, commenced the dispossession and marginalisation of In August, the City of Darebin Council and Yarra Council both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. voted within the space of a week to end the formal celebration of Australia Day on 26 January. Then in September, a third The tradition of noticing 26 January began a few decades Melbourne council – Moreland – voted in favour of dropping all later, in the early 1800s, but only in NSW. It was referred to by references to Australia Day and joined the push to change the various names in the following years, including First Landing date of our national celebration. Day and Foundation Day. Other colonies – namely South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania (then Van Diemen’s These moves followed the City of Freemantle’s 2016 decision Land) – celebrated their own colonial foundations, which took to cancel its Australia Day fireworks display, in favour of a place on other dates. more ‘culturally inclusive’ celebration to be held on 28 January. Likewise, Flinders Island Council has celebrated Australia Day It took another century before the states and territories agreed on an alternative date for several years. to a common name and timing of celebrations. In 1935, the occasion became known as ‘Australia Day’ and festivities were At the heart of the matter is an ongoing debate about the held on a long weekend, including the nearest Monday to meaning of our national day. Like all national days, the way 26 January. In other words, the public holiday was usually held Australia Day is celebrated and the significance attached to it on dates close to 26 January rather than on 26 January itself. have changed considerably over time. In fact, it wasn’t until 1994 that 26 January became a national public holiday. Opposition to the national festivities emerged within the A look back at the historical facts – and what they continue to next few years and spiked at various times in the following represent – helps shed light on why the date remains divisive. decades. In 1938, on the 150th anniversary of Arthur Phillip’s arrival, the Aborigines Progressive Association held a Day of Issue no. 38 / October 2017 15

PROTEST: People taking part in the Invasion Day march in Melbourne on January 26, 2017.

Mourning and Protest. “On this day the the east coast of Australia. white people are rejoicing,” Aboriginal WHAT IS THE This history involves a period of conflict civil rights activist Jack Patten told SIGNIFICANCE OF that continued up to the 1960s, as well attendees. “But we, as Aborigines, have THE DATE? as government policies of assimilation no reason to rejoice on Australia’s 150th and separation that saw many people birthday.” One of the most significant National days the world over are removed from their traditional lands protests was held in 1988 – on the generally considered as occasions of and culture. For First Australians, a bicentennial year of the arrival of the First celebration. In Australia, our national national celebration on 26 January is Fleet – when 40,000 people participated day is promoted as a time to reflect on inappropriate because the history that in an ‘Invasion Day’ march to raise the nation’s achievements and what underpins it is simply too painful. awareness that “white Australia has a makes us proud to be Australian. black history”. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Broader Australia has a poor Islander Australians wish to celebrate understanding of the history of Despite ongoing contention, all states the values and freedoms that Australians 26 January, which helps to explain why and territories in 1994 endorsed the enjoy but do not feel that 26 January is not everyone views the celebration of celebration of Australia Day as a national an appropriate date to do so. this date as problematic. Seven in public holiday to be held on 26 January. 10 voters say Australia Day is important It has been celebrated on that day ever The historical events of 26 January mean to them but a majority of the population since, with festivities including citizenship that many Australians – both Indigenous can’t accurately name the event it ceremonies, outdoor concerts and and non-Indigenous – perceive it as date commemorates, according to a poll fireworks. that marks the commencement of a conducted earlier this year by market long history of violence and trauma. As research company Review Partners. the history books indicate, 26 January When a representative sample of voters festivities were initiated to mark the was asked to identify the historical event arrival of the first British settlers and the marked on Australia Day from a list of six establishment of a British colony on possible alternatives, only 43 per cent 16 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

THE NEED FOR A UNIFYING A DIFFERENT DATE: NATIONAL DAY A poster advertising Australia Day The reconciliation movement is about recognising and healing celebrations on the past, and committing to a better future. Reconciliation 30 July 1915. (Credit: Australian Australia believes that our national day cannot be cohesive War Memorial) and a matter of pride for all Australians if it reminds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of invasion, dispossession and loss of culture. Reconciliation Australia co-chair Professor Tom Calma says it is important for Australia to engage in dialogue about the history of 26 January and what the date continues to signify.

“It’s not about trying to lay guilt on individuals but it’s about trying to make sure that our future, our children and Australians generally, have an understanding of the history of Australia,” Calma says.

“Australia’s history didn’t start in 1788 but it goes on well beyond that. And there’s a lot to recognise and celebrate. But also there’s a lot in our history that’s very dark, that we need to expose to ensure that these sort of atrocities never happen again.”

While Reconciliation Australia advocates the need for an correctly named the landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove alternative date for Australia’s national day of unity, Calma says in 1788. One in five said Australia Day commemorated the it is essential that any change to Australia’s national day must discovery of Australia by Captain Cook while one in six said be unifying and supported by the majority of Australians. it was the anniversary of Federation. Smaller proportions said “We support any actions that will raise awareness and the national day marked the date of a treaty with Indigenous discussion amongst the community to look at what this day people (7 per cent), the date Australia stopped being a colony means on the 26th of January to a whole range of people,” of Great Britain (6 per cent) or the date of an important battle Calma says. in World War I (2 per cent). “We’re particularly interested in making sure that whatever Acknowledging the varied perceptions of the date, the happens, this is about unification of Australia and not dividing Australia Day Council has attempted since the early 1990s to us as a society. So having a conversation is very important at reframe Australia Day as an occasion where we can “celebrate this stage.” and mourn at the same time”. “We respect the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who consider 26 January as a day of mourning, or a day to mark the survival of their ongoing history, traditions and cultures,” says council CEO Chris Kirby. “We also aspire to an Australia Day that can increasingly recognise… the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of our beautiful lands and waterways, and their centrality to the great Australian story.” The council has made efforts to ensure its programs promote a spirit of reconciliation, including the introduction of Australia Day Dawn – ‘a moment of reflection before celebration’. Despite these gestures, it remains impossible for Australia Day to serve as an inclusive national occasion as long as it is held on a date that some Australians celebrate while others grieve. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 17

CULTURAL IMMERSION: A Boon Wurrung man HIGH conducts a at Middle ACHIEVERS Park Primary School.

inaugural Narragunnawali Awards pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait NATIONAL AWARDS for schools and early learning Islander histories and cultures. CELEBRATE services. Reconciliation Australia, in partnership with BHP Billiton, this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CLASSROOM education experts will decide the RECONCILIATION year launched a biennial national awards program to celebrate winners of two awards: one for an Singing songs in First Nations reconciliation excellence in the outstanding school and one for an languages, learning to tackle education sector. The awards outstanding early learning service. racism and blogging about the build on Reconciliation Australia’s This year’s finalists for the school use of Indigenous practices in work, through its Narragunnawali award are Middle Park Primary the classroom are among the education program, to help schools School (Melbourne), Queanbeyan host of reconciliation actions and early learning services foster Public School (Queanbeyan) and to be celebrated as part of the a higher level of knowledge and St Virgil’s College (Hobart). 18 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

TAKING SHAPE: Children at Middle Park Primary School make formations to represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

The early learning service award finalists “During the immersion program all Sharon Davis says she was most are Balnarring Pre-School (Mornington students learnt basic Boon Wurrung impressed by the applicants that Peninsula), Explore and Develop words,” Spackman says. demonstrated a willingness to work on Penrith South (Western Sydney) and race relations. Uranquinty Preschool (Wagga Wagga). “Continuing from this we have had The achievements of the finalists include Boon Wurrung signs made and put “Putting an end to racism is less about involving the broader community in around our school. For example our cultural awareness and more about reconciliation, leading on reconciliation in boys toilet door now has a sign on it becoming racially literate,” she says. reading ‘yan yan’ (boy), and our LOTE regional settings, and ensuring that Davis, a member of the judging panel, non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and room door has a sign on it reading ‘wurrung’ (language).” says it is important for both students Torres Strait Islander people share and educators to learn about putting leadership on reconciliation initiatives. Uranquinty Preschool was one of anti-racism into practice. the finalists to incorporate initiatives Applicants were asked to submit their “Starting to talk about racism and ‘reconciliation story’ and evidence the relating to race relations into its work on reconciliation. Director Louise Grigg said anti-racism at a young age is really nomination had been endorsed by the important,” she says. local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander that changes to student understanding community. In its application, Middle and behaviour were evidence of the “And it’s also important for teachers Park Primary School underscored success of the early learning service’s to make sure they’re racially literate at the three-week immersion program anti-racism efforts. school.” it held for all students, with the help “[We are] building an awareness of To be eligible to apply for the awards, of Aunty Carolyn of the Boon racism and implementing strategies that schools and early learning services Wurrung people. Anne Spackman, a will deal with racism when it occurs,” must have commenced or completed member of the school’s Reconciliation Grigg says. a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Action Plan Working Group, says the The Narragunnawali program supports school and the wider community are “The impact is that the children are schools and early learning services to on a journey together to build a strong beginning to recognise when people are develop their own RAPs, which help and long-lasting relationship with the treated unfairly.” build strong relationships, respect Boonwurrong people, and “the land we and opportunities in classrooms and live and learn on.” communities. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 19

The Narragunnawali program also consists of a platform Davis says she looks forward to recognising the that offers a wide range of free resources that help teachers accomplishments of the winners and is eager to see the and educators bring reconciliation into the classroom. More competition grow in years to come. than 1500 schools and early learning services – equivalent to eight per cent of schools and early learning services “It sets a good precedent for the awards to come because this nationwide – are current users of the platform. Ms Davis is the first year, and I think as the word gets out there hopefully said the Narragunnawali program provides “a really fantastic the ball keeps rolling and it gets bigger and better,” she says. framework” that supports schools to learn about Aboriginal The 2017 Narragunnawali Award winners will be and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and announced in October, after this edition of Reconciliation implement reconciliation initiatives. News has gone to press.

Members of the judging panel will conduct a site visit at each Visit reconciliation.org.au for more details. of the finalist schools and early learning services in October. The site visits will involve consultations with members of the executive and the RAP Working Group, members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and other stakeholders.

The major prize for each award-winner will be a fully funded event, where the community will be invited to celebrate the achievements of the winning school and early learning service. The event will be planned in collaboration with the award- winners and could include an award presentation ceremony, performances, catering and creative workshops.

JUDGING CRITERIA Applicants are assessed on the level of integrity, intensity and innovation they apply to the following criteria:

Relationships — the nominated Respect — the nominated school or Opportunities — the nominated school or early learning service has early learning service has fostered school or early learning service has strengthened relationships between a high level of respect for Aboriginal effectively established or extended non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and and Torres Strait Islander histories, opportunities for staff, students, Torres Strait Islander peoples in the cultures and contributions in the children, families and community classroom, around the school or classroom, around the school or members to achieve exceptional early learning service and with the early learning service and with the outcomes towards advancing community to achieve exceptional community to achieve exceptional reconciliation in the classroom, outcomes towards advancing outcomes towards advancing around the school or early learning reconciliation. reconciliation. service, and with the community. 20 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

ON SITE: Sharee Yamashita at work at Rio Tinto’s Weipa BREAKING operations on Western Cape York. BARRIERS (Credit: SBS)

“She inspired me. And so did the Fast forward four years to 2017 BRIGHT SPARKIE challenges, I suppose, of being in a and Yamashita has completed her PAVES WAY FOR male-dominated industry.” apprenticeship, secured a full-time WOMEN IN MINING position as a female electrician with When Yamashita started her Rio Tinto in Weipa, and won the As a young woman growing up apprenticeship, she had never laid ‘NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year’ on Thursday Island in the Torres hands on the tools she now uses on a title. Yamashita believes the award is Strait, becoming an award-winning daily basis. She had to develop a high testament not only to her excellence as tradesperson wasn’t what Sharee standard of physical fitness to be able to an electrician but also the challenges Yamashita had in mind for her future. work outdoors for long periods of time, she has overcome to get where she is But in her early 20s, stories of a female on platforms and using heavy machinery. today. When Yamashita was 17, she and cousin’s work as a diesel fitter piqued Despite feeling intimidated and out her her partner had a baby daughter who is Yamashita’s interest. Not one to shy element, Yamashita was determined to now eight years old. Some people in her away from a challenge, it was the idea of make it work. community expressed disapproval about succeeding in a ‘non-traditional’ industry “So in the first year we had to build a her becoming a mother at such a young that motivated her to apply for an tool trolley,” she recalls. age. At first she felt “a bit crap” about electrical apprenticeship at Rio Tinto’s the reaction – but ultimately it hardened Weipa operations on Western “It was the first time I picked up an oxy her resolve to succeed. Cape York. cutter, the first time I picked up a grinder, the first time I welded.” “Growing up on TI [Thursday Island], “If you were to ask me 10 years ago shame is a big issue,” she says. what I would be when I finished school, “It was really daunting… [but] I just gave I definitely would not have said ‘an everything a go. And if your tradesmen “I suppose all the negativity and electrician’,” Yamashita says. see that you’re willing to learn, they’re judgmental comments just kind of also willing to teach you.” pushed me, made me determined and “I saw the ad in The Bulletin and I knew made me hungry. my cousin had gone and done the same program as well. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 21

“If you were to ask me 10 years ago what I would be when I finished school, I definitely would not have said ‘an electrician’,” Yamashita says.

“And I suppose I wanted to also make are considering a career in ‘non- Bauxite Mining Project Agreement and sure that my daughter has a good life traditional’ industries. The softly spoken the Weipa Township Agreement. as well.” yet quietly confident Yamashita says her These agreements outline formal success “still hasn’t really sunk in, to be consultation processes between the After having her daughter, Yamashita honest”. But she is proud of what she’s company and Traditional Owners, and completed her schooling by achieved and hopes that her journey their aspirations to work together to correspondence, thanks in part to her can serve as inspiration to other women create long-term mutual value. mother’s insistence. thinking of pursuing a trade. The Chair of the Ely Bauxite Mining “I was back in Cairns living with a relative Project Agreement Coordination “I’d love to see how my story makes a Committee, Linda McLachlan, says and there was no way that I was gonna difference to someone else’s life,” just quit school,” she says. relationships between community she says. and business are key to realising “Mum wouldn’t let me.” Every now and then Yamashita gets the reconciliation. Having to spend significant chunks of chance to return to Thursday Island to “The intent behind reconciliation isn’t time away from her family was one of visit her mother, three of her sisters and something we can achieve individually,” the toughest aspects of completing the extended family. Employment options she says. apprenticeship, Yamashita says. are limited back home, so she feels that She was required to attend TAFE in pursuing a career on the mainland is “It’s a movement where communities Cairns for several months a year, while the best way for her to provide a bright actively work together towards a better her partner and daughter remained future for her daughter. future for everyone.” in Weipa. “Home is always gonna be home. McLachlan says Yamashita’s story “I struggled. I just got homesick. But, yeah, here in Weipa there are heaps should serve as an example of the I was missing the family more than of opportunities for job employment,” possibilities that are created by gaining anything,” she says. she says. a trade.

“I suppose I just kept telling myself that “I know for me that was the best “Trade qualifications open doors to it’s worth it.” option.” different careers,” she says.

Luckily, Yamashita and her partner have Yamashita’s employer, Rio Tinto, has “[Yamashita] overcame many challenges a wonderful support network in Weipa, an ‘Elevate’ Reconciliation Action Plan, and is a great role model for our local including her dad and brother, and a which is the highest phase achievable in communities here in Cape York.” Reconciliation Australia’s Reconciliation group of friends and colleagues who she As for what’s next, Yamashita says she says have been integral to her success. Action Plan program. The plan sets targets across areas such as Indigenous is focused for now on honing her skills Winning the NAIDOC Apprentice of employment, education and training. and gaining more experience. She has the Year title means that Yamashita been invited to tell her story at schools has been catapulted into the position In Weipa, Rio Tinto operates under and public events, and looks forward to of role model for young women, both three Aboriginal agreements: the doing what she can to help other young Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who Western Cape Communities women chase their dreams. Co-existence Agreement, the Ely 22 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

ALL SMILES: Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine with board member Djapirri Mununggirritj, a friend and board member Kirstie Parker on a ferry after the February board meeting in Hobart. IN CONVERSATION: KAREN MUNDINE

Karen Mundine has been involved in down for a chat with Ms Mundine to Being involved in the Apology, being reconciliation for several decades, find out more about the achievements able to work really closely with members culminating in her appointment as and motivations of the woman who of the Stolen Generation, I just feel very CEO of Reconciliation Australia earlier now heads up Australia’s lead body on privileged to have been actually able to this year. Ms Mundine is from the reconciliation. help them… It just brought things home Bundjalung Nation of northern NSW. for me a little bit, in terms of who I was She was formerly the Deputy CEO of You’ve played a key role in events of raised to be and what was important Reconciliation Australia and brings to major national significance, and how I could use these skills that the role more than 20 years’ experience including the Apology to the Stolen I had to actually effect change in a in community engagement, public Generations, the Centenary of tangible way. Federation commemorations, advocacy, communications and social Corroboree 2000 and the 1997 marketing campaigns. She has held What was it like to be in Parliament Australian Reconciliation Convention. senior public affairs and communications House on the day of the Apology? What do you consider to be your roles with federal government greatest achievement? I had been up since before dawn, departments including Prime Minister running around doing work. I had been and Cabinet, and Foreign Affairs and Working with the Stolen Generation doing media training with members Trade. Over the course of her career on the Apology, because it was such of the Stolen Generations to prepare she has been instrumental in some of an intense personal experience. Every them to be able to present and talk Australia’s watershed national events single Aboriginal person has been through their stories without it becoming including the Apology to the Stolen affected by policies of forced removal a painful reliving of their experiences. Generations, Centenary of Federation in some way. None of my family were It had been an exhausting couple of commemorations, Corroboree 2000 taken away but there was always that weeks. I remember that on the actual and the 1997 Australian Reconciliation threat, and they lived with that threat. day, the people I had been working with Convention. Reconciliation News sits And that had intergenerational effects. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 23

and looking after, I got them to where Going forward, what do you see as has more than 900 Reconciliation Action they needed to be in VIP area, and I the key challenges to progress on Plans in place. Organisations big and ended up sitting in one of the galleries reconciliation? small are putting their hands up to say by myself. It was almost like I was in my ‘we want to do something’. It’s not only An ongoing challenge for us is not being own little bubble. I could see journalists up to governments. People are taking too disheartened by the setbacks. I think and some friends in the press gallery, responsibility in their everyday we have a strong network and amazing members of my family in the opposite lives – in schools and sporting clubs. community of people who are all about gallery. And these people I had been So the take-home message for me is change and who want to see change, working with so closely, whose stories that reconciliation isn’t a single moment. but it’s not everyone. We still have to I was so privileged to hear, were out on There isn’t a silver bullet. I think there work to convince others. And that will the floor. For me it was a very surreal have been lots of small steps, some big sometimes create hurdles for us… but moment of quietness just before Prime strides, some unfortunate backward I guess the challenge for the moment is Minister Kevin Rudd started to speak. steps. Sometimes they’re moments not to be disheartened by that. It’s too that don’t seem especially significant easy to give up and walk away. On a personal level, what makes you but they all contribute to this bigger People have been fighting for social passionate about reconciliation? goal. But I do feel that we have made justice and civil rights for hundreds of I was raised in a family where we were progress. years. If my forbears could stick it out always taught to be the best that we then so can we. You sound very positive about the could regardless of what that was. future. Is that fair to say? But also with an understanding that we What do you consider to be had opportunities that other members the country’s most significant I am very positive. There are distractions of our families didn’t, that other people accomplishment in terms of that sometimes set us back but that’s didn’t. And part of the deal of being reconciliation in the past few also part of being a democracy. given these opportunities is you have decades? We have to have these conversations. a duty to give back. So a really strong Even if they’re hard, even if some people I have been fortunate to work in this sense of social justice. And so it was don’t agree with us. If we are to be space during many important national about we’re off to university, you’ve truly reconciled, then we need to have events, but I don’t think there’s a got your skills, now what are you conversations. single biggest achievement. going to do with it. And that makes In 26 years of reconciliation, we’ve me passionate about these things. had the Stolen Generations report, That spirit is intrinsic to who we are as we’ve had conversations around Australians. I want to make the place constitutional reform, we’ve had not better for myself, my friends, my family, only the High Court’s native title decision my nephews and nieces. but also native title legislation has been introduced. Reconciliation Australia now

LEADING THE WAY: Karen Mundine at Old Parliament House, where Reconciliation Australia’s Canberra office is located. 24 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

STYLE

‘Barramundi and Waterlily’ shirt, $99 etsy.com/au/people/ injalakarts

‘Kunkanemkenh’ earrings, $55 etsy.com/au/people/ injalakarts This item is handmade and one of a kind. Patterns and colours may vary. ‘Waves’ top, $120, and shorts, $190 ‘Fruit bats’ apron, $89 magpiegoose.com etsy.com/au/people/injalakarts Phelecia Daylight in Palngun Wurnangat Aboriginal Corporation (Wadeye) ‘waves’ print by Leonie Melpi. Photo by Rhett Hammerton.

‘Long Yam’ bag, $149 etsy.com/au/people/injalakarts

Mugs, $11.90 each betterworldarts.com.au

Cat sculpture, $132 tjanpi.com.au Tjanpi (grass), wool, and raffia by Dianne Dawson of Irrunytju, WA. Image taken in 2017 by Nicole Pietsch. ‘Lappi Lappi’ Copyright Tjanpi Desert Weavers, NPY One-piece, $199 Women’s Council. nativeswimwear.com.au Issue no. 38 / October 2017 25

(L) ‘Pukamani pole’ top, $110, ‘Magpie geese’ shorts, $190, ‘Mimih Spirits’ shirt, $99 (R) ‘Jilamara’ skirt, $170, etsy.com/au/people/injalakarts ‘Magpie geese’ top, $120 magpiegoose.com Marita Perdjert in Tiwi Design’s ‘pukumani pole’ print top by Bede Tungatalum, and Babbarra Design’s Murnubbarr Karrolka (flying magpie geese) print shorts by Dora Diaguma; and Patsy Tchinbruru in magpie geese top, and Tiwi Design’s Jilamara design skirt by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi. Photo by Maggie McGowan.

Clutch bag, $39.70 betterworldarts.com.au

Basket, $198 tjanpi.com.au Tjanpi (grass) and raffia by Nancy Jackson of Warakurna, WA. Image taken in 2017 by Nicole Pietsch. Copyright Tjanpi Desert Weavers, NPY Women’s Council.

Colour enhancing Cushion cover, $34 shampoo and conditioner, $28.95 betterworldarts.com.au dilkaraessenceofaustralia.com.au

Seed necklace and bracelet, $95 tjanpi.com.au Ininti seeds, quandong, and gumnuts by Eva Dixon. Image taken in 2017 by Nicole Pietsch. Copyright Tjanpi Desert Weavers, NPY Women’s Council.

‘Wakih’ top, $120 ‘Snake Vine’ kaftan, $399 magpiegoose.com (price may change) Phelecia Daylight in Injalak Arts ‘wakih’ nativeswimwearaustralia.com.au (fresh water prawn) print by Reuben Manakgu. Photo by Rhett Hammerton. 26 Issue no. 38 / October 2017

10 IMPORTANT BOOKS ON INDIGENOUS CULTURES, HISTORIES AND POLITICS

Reconciliation News has put together a list of some of the most significant and influential books on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and politics.

Because a White Man’ll Never Australians: Origins to Eureka (2009) Do It (1973) By Thomas Keneally By Kevin Gilbert In this widely acclaimed volume, best- Kevin Gilbert’s powerful expose of past selling author Thomas Keneally brings and present race relations in Australia is to life the vast range of characters who an alarming story of land theft, human have formed our national story. Convicts rights abuse, slavery, inequality and and Aboriginal people, settlers and soldiers, patriots and paternalism. Today considered a classic, the book paints reformers, bushrangers and gold seekers, it is from their a disturbing image of the impact of the colonisation of lives and their stories that he has woven a vibrant history to Australia and the ongoing problems faced by Aboriginal do full justice to the rich and colourful nature of our unique people. national character.

Written with the hope of provoking a galvanisation of his Were the first European mothers whores or matriarchs? people, Gilbert makes a plea that white Australia leave How did this often cruel and brutal penal experiment lead black Australia alone. Demonstrating his vision for justice to a coherent civil society? Tom Keneally brings to life the and equality, Gilbert’s arguments are still significant and high and the low, the convict and the free of early Australian relevant in 21st century Australia. society.

The Tall Man: Death and Life on Black Politics (2009) Palm Island (2009) By Sarah Maddison By Chloe Hooper Based on original interviews with influential The Tall Man tells a true story that took Aboriginal leaders including Mick place on Palm Island, the tropical paradise Dodson, Tom Calma, Alison Anderson, where one morning Cameron Doomadgee Jackie Huggins, Warren Mundine and swore at a policeman and 40 minutes Larissa Behrendt, Black Politics seeks to later lay dead in a watch-house cell. It is the story of that understand why Aboriginal communities find it so difficult to policeman, the tall, enigmatic Christopher Hurley who be heard, get support, and organise internally. chose to work in some of the toughest and wildest places in Australia, and of the struggle to bring him to trial. Sarah Maddison identifies the tensions that lie at the heart of all Aboriginal politics, arguing that until Australian governments come to grips with this complexity they will continue to make bad policy with disastrous consequences for Aboriginal people. Issue no. 38 / October 2017 27

Am I Black Treading Talking to my Enough for You? Lightly: The Country (2016) (2012) Hidden Wisdom By Stan Grant By Anita Heiss of the World’s Oldest In July 2015, as Anita Heiss, People (2006) the debate over successful author By Karl-Erik Sveiby Adam Goodes and passionate and Tex Skuthorpe being booed at campaigner for Aboriginal literacy, AFL games raged and got ever more was born a member of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people taught heated and ugly, Stan Grant – one of nation of central New South Wales, themselves thousands of years Australia’s leading journalists – wrote but was raised in the suburbs of ago how to live sustainably in a short but powerful piece for The Sydney and educated at the local Australia’s fragile landscape. Guardian that went viral, not only in Catholic school. She is Aboriginal A Scandinavian knowledge Australia but right around the world. – however, this does not mean she management professor meets an His was a personal, passionate likes to go barefoot. And please don’t Aboriginal cultural custodian and and powerful response to racism in ask her to camp in the desert. dares to ask the simple but vital Australia and the sorrow, shame, question: what can we learn from anger and hardship of being an In this deeply personal memoir, the traditional Aboriginal lifestyle Indigenous man. Heiss gives a first-hand account of to create a sustainable society her experiences as a woman with in modern Australia? Treading Talking to my Country is not just an Aboriginal mother and Austrian Lightly takes us on a unique about race, or about Indigenous father, and explains the development journey into traditional Aboriginal people, but about all of us, our of her activist consciousness. life and culture, and offers a shared identity. Grant might not have Read her story and ask: what does it powerful and original model for all the answers but he wants us to take for someone to be black enough building sustainable organisations, keep on asking the question: how for you? communities and ecologies. can we be better?

Dark Emu (2014) Forgotten War Carpentaria (2006) By Bruce Pascoe (2013) By Alex Wright By Henry Reynolds Dark Emu argues for Carpentaria is an a reconsideration Australia is dotted epic novel set in of the ‘hunter- with memorials the Gulf country gatherer’ tag to soldiers who of north-western for pre-colonial fought in wars Queensland. Its and attempts overseas. Why are there no official portrait of family life in the precariously to rebut the colonial myths that have memorials or commemorations settled coastal town of Desperance worked to justify dispossession. of the wars that were fought on centres on the powerful Phantom Accomplished author Bruce Pascoe Australian soil between Aboriginal family, leader of the Westend provides compelling evidence from people and white colonists? Pricklebush people, and its battles the diaries of early explorers that with old Joseph Midnight’s renegade Forgotten War gives a systematic suggests that systems of food Eastend mob on the one hand, and account of what caused the production and land management the white officials of Uptown and the frontier wars between white have been blatantly understated in neighbouring Gurfurrit mine on colonists and Aboriginal people, modern retellings of early Aboriginal the other. how many people died and history, and that a new look at whether the colonists themselves Carpentaria was rejected by every Australia’s past is required. saw frontier conflict as a form of major publisher in Australia before it warfare. This powerful book argues was published by the small literary that there can be no reconciliation house Giramondo. It went on to win without acknowledging the wars Australia’s most prestigious literary fought on our own soil. prize, the Miles Franklin Award.