Contemporary Indigenous lives

This book is useful for insights into contemporary First Nations peoples lived experiences. Edited by Wiradjuri author, Dr Anita Heiss, this is a collection of 50 entries written by First Nations people about growing up in Australia. The collection shows the diversity of experiences and identities of First Nations people, and also some of the shared issues. There are some famous names – such as Adam Goodes and Miranda Tapsell – and many more!

This book is useful for learning about First Nations peoples as they are today. It covers cultural events, aspirations, ongoing activism and contemporary identities. It has been compiled by a non-Indigenous researcher and Professor Bruce Pascoe who describes himself as Koori.

This book is useful for learning about First Nations women’s experiences. It has been brought together by Gamilaroi and Dunghutti journalist, Marlee Silva. This book provides an opportunity to hear how First Nations women understand their lives, successes and roles in their communities.

This documentary is useful for learning about education experiences of some First Nations students. The documentary was made in a collaboration between a non-Indigenous film-maker and Arrernte people, documenting a ten-year-old boy’s interactions with standard education. Dujuan is a healer who will have an important cultural role in his community; his schooling does not recognise his strengths, capabilities or learning needs and becomes a battle ground.

This book is useful for learning about contemporary issues in First Nations Australia. Stan Grant is a Wiradjuri journalist and a powerful writer and media presence. He tells his family story and his own story to explore issues of marginalisation and disempowerment, racism and its impact. He uses his international experiences to look at Australia through multiple lenses, providing thoughts about what it means to be Australian. He has several books, articles and shows that will help expand your knowledge of contemporary First Nations issues.