The following trail is linked to the The BlackWords Essays by Dr Anita Heiss, published by AustLit in 2015. They bring together the works, authors and organisations that are mentioned in the essays and support the teaching and incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander texts in teaching and general reading.
'...the opportunity to compare works and discuss common approaches to subject matter overrides any chronology of publication. There is, however, an ordering principle of sorts at work. Certain important general anthologies tended to appear before their genre-specific counterparts and they are discussed first. Thereafter, each sub-category adds perspective and publication detail to a growing store of themes and issues dealt with in the increasingly broad field of Aboriginal Literature – and therefore demonstrates that growth. The paper also recognises that Aboriginal Literature has, over time, acquired other names: Indigenous Literature and Black Writing, for example. These terms have somewhat different and sometimes contested meanings but they are also now used interchangeably. The paper gives a brief explanation of the terms, their similarities and differences. The newer terms – Indigenous and Black – accommodate literature written beyond mainland or island Australia and enable a greater understanding of ways in which writing both defines and defies boundaries.' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
'Anthologies that are designed to showcase Indigenous writers often do so with the aim of providing a voice to the voiceless, to demonstrate the diversity of Aboriginal Australia as an attempt to move away from the concept of pan-Aboriginality, and to allow for self-representation in Australian literature. Anthologies also act as one of the few political platforms remaining for Aboriginal people in Australia today, where a ‘community of voices’ can come together in one place to speak to the mainstream. Anthologies based specifically on gender, geographical locations, identified themes and genres, as well as collections that focus on national and international Indigenous voices, are about providing platforms and showcasing a wealth of Indigenous knowledge, experience, creativity and literary skill. It can’t be denied that the greatest benefit of anthologies generally is to showcase writers, both established and emerging. But it is perhaps the emerging writer who benefits most, using the opportunity to build a publications list and, sometimes, gain some public exposure for the first time.' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
'As tools for learning about Aboriginal Australia – our histories, our current societies, our cultures and our identities – anthologies are excellent resources for use in the classroom. Pick up a single anthology and a student will be provided with a diverse range of voices, creative ideas and styles, and a range of personal experiences, across generations.' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
'This is the first collection to span the diverse range of Black Australian writings. Thirty-six Aboriginal and Islander authors have contributed, including David Unaipon, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Gerry Bostock, Ruby Langford, Robert Bropho, Jack Davis, Hyllus Maris, William Ferguson, Sally Morgan, Mudrooroo Narogin and Archie Weller.
(...more)'An authoritative survey of Australian Aboriginal writing over two centuries, across a wide range of fiction and non-fiction genres. Including some of the most distinctive writing produced in Australia, it offers rich insights into Aboriginal culture and experience...
'The anthology includes journalism, petitions and political letters from both the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as major works that reflect the blossoming of Aboriginal poetry, prose and drama from the mid-twentieth century onwards.
(...more)'...Message Stick is a collection of poems and short stories that defies the expected. Drawing from the contemporary, traditional and urban life experiences of established and emerging writers, Message Stick is an Aboriginal view of black culture, past, present and future. It is not manufactured dialogue by those 'who think they know', it is the many and diverse voices of Aboriginal Australia.' (Backcover)
(...more)Presents artwork, prose and poetry of thirty-six contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers from the off-shore island, the Northern Territory, and all six states of Australia.
(...more)'The work in this anthology is exceptional. Perhaps its most striking quality is its diversity. It spans generations, experiences, lives, countries, socio-cultural placements and boundaries, and genders. It defies preconceived categorisations and societal pressures of how a dominant culture thinks Aboriginal people ought to write..It is presented from the heart across Places, Spaces, in Dreamings, Story and Song. And most empowering and impressive of all, it is the sound of New Indigenous Voices.
(...more)Editor's note: This work 'showcases the great wealth of talent we have here in the ACT and region and exposes the considerable contribution we make to all the arts...It is a resource directory for all those seeking to know and contact us,...'
'…academic journals and literary anthologies can do is deliver the work of award-winning authors alongside established writers while also being able to showcase new and emerging writers. Today, as literary values become less narrow and Euro-centric, we see Indigenous writers holding their own in mainstream literary domains, and reshaping the national canon by winning major literary awards…' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
'Stories Without End includes writing that is complex, innovative, and polished, and writing that is raw, rugged, and passionate. In their different ways, all the pieces are powerful...' (Source: editorial, Southerly Vol. 62 No. 2 2002: 5-6)
(...more)Note: This issue features the writing of Australian Indigenous writers and discussion and reviews of Indigenous texts.
'It is estimated now that nearly five thousand Aboriginal authors have been published in Australia since the cultural impact of colonisation occurred. However this seems rare or vague knowledge to the outskirts of Australian literature. It seems this contribution by Aboriginal writers is somewhat limited to access or obtain for the general public who enjoy a good read, or seek an historical view point...' (Source: Cobby Eckermann Ali, and Fogarty Lionel, Southerly Vol. 71 No. 2 2011:8-11)
(...more)'The resurgence of Indigenous culture and thought continues. Confident, smart and sensitive Aboriginal artists, writers and theorists create world-class work in every genre. Tough and autonomous critical milieux have developed, liberated from colonial and modern mythologies about Aboriginal culture and its relations to Western ways of thinking and seeing. Flourishing Indigenous arts and literary scenes have grown around a new generation of Aboriginal publishers, curators, writers, editors, film-makers, choreographers and savvy arts entrepreneurs.
(...more)The BlackWords Symposium, held in October 2012, celebrated the fifth anniversary of the establishment of BlackWords, the AustLit-supported project recording information about, and research into, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and storytellers. The symposium showcased the exciting state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creative writing and storytelling across all forms, contemporary scholarship on Indigenous writing, alongside programs such as the State Library of Queensland’s black&write! project, which supports writers’ fellowships, editing mentorships, and a trainee editor program for professional development for Indigenous editors.
(...more)'Geographically defined Indigenous anthologies are also not uncommon, with Western Australia home to one of the largest groups of Indigenous writers and with Fremantle Arts Centre Press’s remit to only publish work out of Western Australia.' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
'Culture and identity, suffering and the triumph of survival thread their way through the short stories, poems, legends, song lyrics, essays and commentaries in this... anthology of Aboriginal writing.
Representing a range of regional and cultural differences, age groups and social circumstances, it is a testimony to the importance of the past in the construction of a better future.' Source: Publisher's blurb
(...more)'The aim of this project was to use oral histories collected by Wangka Maya from elderly Aboriginal people of the region...to tell the Indigenous history of Port Hedland and the Pilbara region...' (Source: Listen to the Old People, 2000:3)
(...more)Note: 'A local Symbols of Reconciliation Project of : The Town of Port Hedland, Australians for Reconciliation, Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre.' (Source: TROVE)
'This country anytime anywhere features writing from new and emerging Aboriginal writers from the length of the Northern Territory. This contemporary collection features eight Australian Aboriginal languages - some of them severely endangered - and is unsurpassed in its comprehensive representation of writers, subject matters and styles that share the powerful cultural, artistic, political and personal interests of these writers in the 21st century. Ranging from teenagers to elders, the writers come from diverse rural, urban and remote backgrounds.
(...more)Note: Some contributions have been translated into a number of endangered Australian Aboriginal languages. They include: Pitjantjatjara, Eastern Arrernte, Western Arrarnta, Wambaya,Warlpiri, Warumungu, Ngaliwurru & Kungarakan.
'Life In Gadigal Country is the first anthology of writing published by Gadigal Information Service, and a tribute to the Gadigal peoples of Sydney.'
'The book is a collection of writings of some of the strongest political voices, by some of the most promising cotemporary writers, about some of the most significant issues that have faced the first peoples of the country known as Gadigal Country, since the process of colonisation began in 1788.' (Source: Anita Heiss website)
(...more)'Oral histories… provide an opportunity for those with memory recall to delve into their own personal historical vaults of the mind, bringing to life not only their past relationships with other Aboriginal people, but with the broader community as well. As Aboriginal people we are not separated from the daily events, politics, tragedies or inspirations of other Australian citizens.' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
Note: Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that reference may be made to deceased persons and there may also be photographs of deceased persons in this book.
'Northwestern NSW was forcibly taken by white settlers in the mid nineteenth century. Surviving land owners were moved on, placed on missions and reserves, but kept returning to the riverbank. In this book, descendants protray past upheavals and their hopes for the future.' (Source: TROVE)
(...more)'Themed anthologies for Indigenous writers also serve the purpose of proving that we can write on commission, for example, or demonstrate that our lives span a variety of experiences, and can comment on important public issues. They also give us an opportunity to assert our humanity in a world that has often denied it - that even though often highly politicised, and often invisible on the national identity radar, that we too love, hate, bleed, sing, cry, laugh and so on.' (Heiss, Anita, BlackWords: Indigenous Stories Told Collectively, 2015)
'Anthology of erotic writing featuring work by Māori authors Hone Tuwhare, Briar Grace-Smith, Witi Ihimaera, Patricia Grace and Robert Sullivan, with other international writers.' (Source: TROVE)
(...more)Please note that only the Australian stories have been indexed here.
'In this unique collection, nine Aboriginal women from around the country recount their lives. These are ordinary women - mothers, grandmothers, workers - with extraordinary life experiences. Their stories vary widely, but all touch in some way on what it has been like to grow up as a black woman in white Australia. Heartfelt, funny, courageous, disturbing, poignant, angry - this book is a testament to its contributors' spirit, strength and fortitude.' (Source: TROVE)
(...more)Steppin' Out and Speakin' Up was a great reminder to me of the inner power we have as Indigenous women and the role our aunties, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and friends continue to play in the development of our communities. (Source: Message Stick on-line)
(...more)Note: These stories have been brought together by the Aboriginal Support Circle of the Older Women's Network, N.S.W (Source: Back cover)
'This book examines physical activities and sports important to Erambie Kooris, including the animated form of storytelling that has a significant physical performance component, games such as rounders and skipping, as well as bare knuckle fighting. It also examines the connections between physical activities and sports as cultural practices.' (Source: Koori Mail, issue 548 2013)
(...more)'If you want to know the reality of inside Black Australia, this book is for you. The women who speak within these pages allow you, the reader, to look into their hearts, minds, bodies and souls. Share with them their journey - the journey of life.' (Back cover)
(...more)'Contains baskets and stories woven by some of the Aboriginal women of Hopevale, Cape York Peninsula, which gives an insight into their lives and crafts - both past and present.' (Source: Fishpond website)
(...more)A series of nine interviews conducted by Leah Purcell with Indigenous Australian women. Each woman is separately interviewed about her experience of growing up, her family life (particularly her relationship with her mother), her sense of Aboriginality and her career. The collection closes with a record of the collective conversation between the women during a meal at Sydney's Edna's Table II restaurant which serves 'Australia's finest Aboriginal cuisine'.
(...more)'In this collection of contemporary poems for children, thirty-five Aboriginal poets write about what it means to be Aboriginal today. Many of the poems reflect the anger, despair and determination of a people dispossessed of their land and denied justice. Some poets recall the spirituality and culture of their ancestors. Still others look with hope to the future...' (Source: Back cover)
(...more)Author's note: As compiler of this anthology, I would like to thank and acknowledge the poets who gave from their hearts to express their fears, their joy and their love for our people and our homeland.
'This collection of poems is the work of four Aboriginal people... The poems are all personal expressions of emotion that were not originally written for publication.'
'Many of the poems are about prison life, and reflect the loneliness and despair of the individual. In some of these poems we see the over-riding passions of hatred and bitterness, and in other we see the basic human desire to love and be loved in return...' (Source: Introduction p.3)
(...more)Rimfire consists of three selections of poetry by the authors Romaine Moreton, Alf Taylor and Michael J. Smith. The selections by Moreton and Taylor are in effect a republication of their previously published works The Callused Stick of Wanting (Moreton), and Singer Songwriter (Taylor), albeit with some of the poems appearing here in a different order. The selection of Smith's poems titled 'Calling Thought' appears not to have been previously published.
'Romaine Moreton's poetry is much more than that, each piece of work is a journey. Her words take the reader through time to the world of our peoples. The bitterness and anger is justified, but tempered by a strong spiritual presence...' Burraga Gutya. (source: backcover)
(...more)'This first-ever comprehensive collection of the forward-looking poems of Romaine Moreton includes reflections on origins, dispossession, dislocation and identity, on mudcrabs, love and petrol-sniffing.' (Source: Goodreads website)
(...more)'I'll try and make things right though writing and poetry I just might but we'll all have to pull together. Never mind how far apart someone somewhere gotta make a start.' (Source: Back cover)
(...more)'This anthology of poetry brings together all the big names in Aboriginal writing and features a wide array of styles and topics. With a foreword by Kim Scott – joint winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, 2000, for his novel Benang. (Publication summary)
(...more)'These poems are anything but motionless. Their emotions cut, determined to map out another possibility, a place of personal and social reconciliation.' (Source: Back cover)
(...more)'In contemporary language and imagery, this poetry collection reflects a deep and abiding Aboriginality and an understanding that bridges past and present, nature and technology, the traditional and the modern. Chosen as a highly-commended entry in the David Unaipon Awards for unpublished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers. Land Window, looks out onto the world, proclaiming humanity's eternal connection to the earth.' (Source: Google Books website)
(...more)'Drawing on a wide range of Indigenous cultures and artistic traditions from Canada, the United States, Australia and Aotearoa - New Zealand, skins is an exciting new addition to Indigenous literature in print. Among celebrated names like Maria Campbell (Halfbreed), Alootook Ipellie (Arctic Dreams and Nightmares), Sally Morgan (My Place), Patricia Grace (Potiki), Sherman Alexie (Smoke Signals), Linda Hogan (Seeing through the Sun and Mean Spirit), Thomas King (Green Grass, Running Water), Louise Erdrich (Tracks) and Witi Ihimaera (Bulibasha), Skins also presents some of the brightest emerging Indigenous talent from around the world.
(...more)'Collection of stories by Aboriginal people from across Australia, dealing with topics such as coming to terms with the past, coping with racism, relationships, childhood, work and the future. Contributors include Beatrice Ballangarry, John Clark, Bruce Pascoe and Janice Slater.' (Source: Google Books website)
(...more)New writing from old Australians this collection presents Aboriginal playwrights using the dramatic form to tell how black and white Australians interact.'
'These are modern, urban plays, but traditional beliefs give strength and resilience to many of the characters in them. These city dwellers are joined to the land and their dreaming, with ancient bonds of common belief; the four plays provide a remarkable, often humorous insight into Aboriginal experience in Australia.' (Source: backcover)
(...more)Contains six plays.
Enuff by John Harding is a frightening and funny play about an Australian future where black patience has run out. A violent uprising is planned for Reconciliation Day – will retribution or forgiveness prevail?
I Don't wanna Play House by Tammy Anderson is the moving story of her childhood. A truly remarkable account of the triumph of the human spirit.
Belonging by Tracey Rigney recounts the taunts and temptations of a school girl, and her personal struggle to remain true to her culture, and herself.
(...more)'Five plays from around the country which illustrate that the rich tradition of indigenous storytelling is flourishing in contemporary Australian theatre.' (Source: Australianplays.org)
(...more)The three texts collected in this volume are strong examples of this Indigenous theatre company's work with their exploration of self-determination, reconciliation, the land.
(...more)'Stories of Aboriginal Australians from Melville Island, Bathurst Island, Roper River, Darwin, Maningrida, Groote Eylandt, Katherine, Alice Springs and the Flinders ranges. Two stories are printed in Tiwi and English.' (Source: TROVE)
(...more)'Life stories interwoven with over 700 stunning photographs and reproductions form a journey with these women sharing their country and culture. They are all storytellers, dancers, singers, healers and artists. The stories are told in their own words and their languages are represented.' (Source: Online)
(...more)Note: Each story or piece is titled only with the name of the author. Individual pieces are grouped in chapters or sections.
'This book is a celebration of the work of a group of young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from a variety of schools in the Derwent Education District, Tasmania'.
Source: Introduction.
(...more)NOTE: The collection of these writings and biographies began in 1982 and was not complete until 1984. The taped interviews were first typed up in their entirety to eliminate the inevitable repetitions and breaks which occur in conversation after which they were re-typed in their present form. So some allowance must be made for references in the present time (to persons or situations) which are no longer relevant in 1987.
'This collection of stories is a resounding tribute to the strength of traditional Aboriginal Law and culture and to the workers for land rights who have helped shape the social and political landscape of a nation. Contributors include Geoff Eames, Pat Dodson, Gough Whitlam, Sir Edward Woodward, and Paul Memmott.'
Source: Publisher's blurb.
(...more)NOTE: Recorded and translated from Kukatja, Wangkajunga and Ngarti Aboriginal languages to English text.
Indigenous Australians '... from all over Australia talk of their lives -- their families, their work, their languages and culture, the disappointments and sadness of the past, their hopes for the future. The ten authors come from all parts of Australia and the range of experiences which their stories reveal is testament to this.'
(Source: A Story to Tell: The Working Lives of Ten Aboriginal Australians, (ed.) Gallagher, N., Cambridge University Press, 1992, Back Cover)
(...more)'Filled with exciting new poetry and prose from well known and award winning writers, and including brand new voices taking their first steps into the world of writing. This anthology emerges from the Us Mob Writing group of First Nations Australians consisting of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders based in Canberra, yet coming from countries spread across the Australian landscape. Written, edited, designed and typeset by First Nations Australians, this collection is representative of the group, showcasing who we are, our lives and work.
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