'I wrote these pieces of writing for readers to understand and know something of my people, whom I love very much. Their lives were not lived in vain; they were beautiful people who held responsibility when they needed to; and they were strong people who have left, in me, great love. My people were strong and did not bow a head to any person, even though they suffered terrible violence through the hands of the state.
'My mother, her mother (our Law-woman), and her brother John were Kunya people. My father was a Wailwan/Wiradjuri man, and I was raised as Barkindji by my grandfather. I am living thanks to these people's great love. This writing is an expression of my admiration and love for them.' (Introduction)