A comprehensive, relevant, and accessible look at all aspects of Indigenous Australian history and culture What is The Dreaming? How many different Indigenous tribes and languages once existed in Australia? What is the purpose of a corroboree? What effect do the events of the past have on Indigenous peoples today? Indigenous Australia For Dummies answers these questions and countless others about the oldest race on Earth. It explores Indigenous life in Australia before 1770, the impact of white settlement, the ongoing struggle by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to secure their human rights and equal treatment under the law, and much more.
Celebrating the contributions of Indigenous people to contemporary Australian culture, the book explores Indigenous art, music, dance, literature, film, sport, and spirituality. It discusses the concept of modern Indigenous identity and examines the ongoing challenges facing Indigenous communities today, from health and housing to employment and education, land rights, and self-determination.
- Explores significant political moments-such as Paul Keating's Redfern Speech and Kevin Rudd's apology, and more
- Profiles celebrated people and organisations in a variety of fields, from Cathy Freeman to Albert Namatjira to the Bangarra Dance Theatre and the National Aboriginal Radio Service
- Challenges common stereotypes about Indigenous people and discusses current debates, such as a land rights and inequalities in health and education
This book will enlighten readers of all backgrounds about the history, struggles and triumphs of the diverse, proud, and fascinating peoples that make up Australia's Indigenous communities. With a foreword by former PM Malcolm Fraser, Indigenous Australia For Dummies is a must-read account of Australia's first people.
'Indigenous Australia For Dummies is an important contribution to the broad debate and to a better understanding of our past history. Hopefully it will influence future events.'-Former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser
Learn more about the rich cultures of Australia's first peoples
What's the Dreamtime? What's a corroboree for? Who were the Stolen Generations? Indigenous Australia For Dummies answers these questions and more, exploring life before Captain Cook, the impact of European settlement and contemporary Indigenous cultures. Discover the history, traditions, struggles and triumphs of the diverse peoples that make up Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
-
Experience 60,000 years of culture - appreciate the variety and complexity of Indigenous communities across mainland Australia and the Torres Strait Islands
-
Get the facts on Indigenous Australians since Europeans arrived - read about what happened when the British colony was established at Sydney Cove
-
Explore significant political moments in Indigenous history - learn about the 1967 Referendum, PM Paul Keating's Redfern speech, the Mabo verdict, PM Kevin Rudd's apology and other events
-
See how Indigenous peoples took charge of their political future - examine the land rights debate and the era of reconciliation
-
Learn about celebrated Indigenous artists - recognise famous Indigenous people in art, music, dance, literature and theatre
-
Understand the importance of sport to Indigenous Australians - read about traditional sports making a comeback, and about famous Indigenous sportspeople
-
Identify the issues facing Indigenous Australians today - uncover current issues in Indigenous health and housing, employment and education, land rights and self-determination
Open the book and find:
-
Traditional values and ways of life in Indigenous communities
-
Profiles of famous Indigenous people in a variety of fields
-
Important Indigenous cultural sites across Australia
-
Ten key legal decisions in Australian history
-
The truth behind myths and stereotypes of Indigenous Australians
-
Details about ongoing struggles to access equal opportunities and secure human rights
Learn to:
-
Understand the impact of Britishcolonisation on Indigenous peoples
-
Appreciate important milestones in Indigenous rights
-
Admire the work of Indigenous artists, activists and sportspeople
-
Grasp the issues facing modern Indigenous communities