Untitled Boomerang Michael Riley (1960-2004)

Image from the cover of Maquarie Pen Anthologyof Aboriginal Literature. Edited Anita Hess and Peter Minter Allen &Unwin 2008

I have been reading biographies for a number of years now including some of the stories of about or by Indigenous Australians. Many have been moving and given insight into what Rob Riley referred to as a sanitized history.(Beresford Quentin. “Rob Riley: an Aboriginal Quest for Justice “Aboriginal Studies Press 2006)

I was fortunate to have a " good education" that I am aware excluded the telling of the stories of Indigenous Australians or indeed even a honest portrayal of contemporaneousness treatment of my indigenous peers in the 1950's and 1960's of my childhood. I guess I have been reeducating myself by reading ever since, so I found this volume a very helpful book.

During a recent visit to the Kimberley I was looking for a relevant read and came across: MacQuarie Pen Anthology of Aboriginal Literature edited by Anita Heiss & Peper Minter Allen & Unwin2008 in a Derby newsagent. This book would take me on a walk through another version of Australian history with excerpts from the written works of Indigenous publications dating from 1796 to 2006. It is a helpful volume that dispels many notions that are commonly held about our indigenous countrymen and women.

The book contains many memorable quotes and will give anyone seeking insight an excellent starting point as I am sure it will lead you to read many of the full texts available.

Each excerpt reflects on people who have something important to say.