Indigenous Australia for Dummies

Larissa Behrendt

mar 2012 · John Wiley & Sons

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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

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Professor Larissa Behrendt is a Eualeyai and Kamillaroi woman. She is Professor of Law and Director of Research at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology, Sydney, and the author of several novels and books about Indigenous issues. She was named as 2009 NAIDOC Person of the Year and 2011 New South Wales Australian of the Year.