Indigenous Australia for Dummies - Paperback

by Larissa Behrendt (Author), Stan Grant (Foreword by)

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, 2nd Edition 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, 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 land rights and inequalities in health and education

Now in its second edition, Indigenous Australia For Dummies 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 Stan Grant, it's a must-read account of Australia's first people.

Back Jacket

• Celebrate 65,000+ years of Indigenous knowledge
• Grasp the issues facing modern Indigenous communities
• Recognise important milestones in Indigenous rights

Explore the rich culture and history of Australia's first peoples

What is The Dreaming? How many Indigenous languages are there? What are the protocols when addressing Indigenous Australians? Explore inside for answers to all of your questions about the world's oldest living culture and trace their long pre-1770 history through to the impact of white settlement and the ongoing struggle for human rights and self-determination. Along the way, immerse yourself in the Indigenous art, music, dance, sport, spirituality and more, that has made--and continues to make--deep and essential contributions to Australia's past, present and future.

Inside...

• Experience 65,000+ years of culture, adaption and survival
• Understand the true impact of colonisation
• Learn about key political issues, struggles and solutions
• Discover the truth behind myths and stereotypes of Indigenous Australians
• Appreciate cultural knowledge through the arts, movies, sport and more

Author Biography

Professor Larissa Behrendt is a Eualeyai and Kamillaroi woman. She is Distinguished Professor of the Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Technology, Sydney. Larissa was named as 2009 NAIDOC Person of the Year and 2011 New South Wales Australian of the Year. She was awarded an Order of Australia in 2020 for her work in Indigenous education, law and the arts.