Aboriginal Australia, an introductory reader in Aboriginal Studies

Colin Bourke, Eleanor Bourke and Bill Edwards

Univ. of Queensland Press, softcover.
lichte gebruikssporen.

Aboriginal Australia presents selected themes that relate to indigenous Australians against a background of traditional, colonial and contemporary experiences. Particular facets of the lives of Aboriginal Australians are revealed through an examination of their struggle to maintain a strong identify and heritage while actively participating in Australian society. Reflected throughout the work is how this process enriches the Australlan community as a whole.

This new, fully revised and corrected edition gives an up-to-date account of recent events of significance for the Indigenous people of Australla. It takes account of Mabo, the momentous Native Title decision of the High Court to overturn the concept of terra nullius and recognise pre-colonial occupation of Australia, including property rights. It also discusses the Wik decision of the High Court, which found that the granting of pastoral leases did not necessarlly extinguish native title rights; the Report of the National inquiry on the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families; the movement towards Reconciliation between Aborigines and other Australians; the rise of conservative movements in reaction to these developments, and the growing concern about continued racism in Australian society.