SPOTLIGHT ON… Indigenous Australian Authors

Growing up in a town with a public and well-documented disharmony between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is difficult. It’s disconcerting. It’s downright awful. However, it can also be a catalyst for understanding that differences such as culture and race aren’t really what you’ve been taught they are. I mean, from a humanistic standpoint, yes we’re shaped by different backgrounds, exposures, influences and believes but can we both put the effort into sharing a friendship because of (and if required, regardless) of this?

The role of elders and community leaders is important in all cultures, and in the Indigenous culture this is especially true.

Furthermore, the role of Indigenous researchers, storytellers and authors is pivotal to the recollection and retelling of stories that need to be given a voice. 

From the gorgeously illustrated and vividly crafted stories of the Dreamtime to novels focusing on Indigenous characters, to chick-lit romance to exquisitely crafted works such as Am I Black Enough For You (Anita Heiss) there is a plethora of Indigenous Australian writing available.

Look a little closer and dig a little deeper and you’ll find real-life accounts of historic and recent Indigenous life in Australia; most generally unique to the area of Australia in which you live. For me, it was the research and writings of Kamilaroi elder and researcher Noeline Briggs-Smith that gave shape to and matured my understanding of Indigenous Australians; Mrs Briggs-Smith gives voice to the information that isn’t taught on the school curriculum and for that I owe her great thanks. As one of my interviewees this week discusses, it is imperatively important to question what you’re taught (I believe in every aspect of life) and continue to learn and understand. Knowledge is power.

In addition, the work of the Creative Spirits group (and website) has given me much in the way of knowledge, perspective and respect. If you’ll indulge me quickly, there is a bridge/creek-bed of much significance within the Kamilaroi area in which I grew up, having never understood the significance as a child/youth, I set out to gain some understanding as an adult. Out of respect, I have chosen not to mention the site however if you’d like to find out more, you can click here. It is these recollections that give a true depth of understanding of our Australian background and in my opinion, necessary reading for all.

So, please join me this week as I chat to several Indigenous Australian authors and a wonderful Book Club Top 10 Indigenous Australian books.