Cirrus@Austlit

'Australia's Indigenous peoples have art traditions which span the millennia and which have grown and developed continuously. This book is designed help students develop a general understanding of the history of Indigenous art. This book is a great introduction to Indigenous art, the diversity of which may inspire students to further research.' (Publication summary)

'These are stories of great Australians who contributed to not only Aboriginal causes but to Australia. Each of these stories is inspirational, interesting and provides an historical context to the colonisation, development and reconciliation of Indigenous Australians. Depending upon your classes stage of interest in Indigenous Studies will determine where you start in the reading and discussion of these individuals. This will form a rich resources for many lessons on Australian and Indigenous History. ' (Publication summary)

'Much Indigenous history has been lost since the colonisation of Australia by Europeans. Over the last 40-50 years, increasing efforts have been made to work with Indigenous people to record the history of the various cultures that did exist or still exist across Australia. This book does not pretend to cover all the stories but aims to highlight some parts of the increasingly-complex story of Indigenous history and tradition.' (Publication summary)

'Prior to European colonisation, there were as many as 600 Indigenous languages present in Australia. Many languages have since been lost due to the displacement and massacre of many Indigenous people. This book looks at the origins of Australia's Indigenous languages, their usage today, and the formation of Creole languages in recent times. There was not an Aboriginal language but a continent of languages and dialects. The actual number is in the hundreds but today there are still distinguishing words that separate the peoples of the continent. This comprehensive teacher resource covers the following: - Background to Language – Communication - what is it? – Communication - the development of society and culture by means of communicating – Communication - the importance of language forms. - Language – The importance of language and its effect on people and culture – Historical aspects of aboriginal languages – The commonality and differences of aboriginal languages – Differences and isolation causing unique languages to form – Examples of aboriginal languages. - Colonising and Aboriginal Languages – Outcomes of moving aboriginal peoples – The imposition of English as the means of communication – The use of Aboriginal words in the English vocabulary – Aboriginal place names. - Modern Aboriginal Languages – Creole and its development – The maintenance of Aboriginal languages. A fascinating look and introduction to a comprehensive aspect of Aboriginal culture and identification. By studying this teacher resource students will have a better understanding of not only the Aboriginal but their language roots. ' (Source: TROVE)

'The myths of Australia's Aboriginal peoples are many thousands of years old, with the Rainbow Serpent being the oldest continuous spiritual belief in the world. The Dreaming ties together most aspects of Aboriginal spirituality. This books looks at the formation and meaning of these stories, offering examples from 'public' Dreaming stories where suitable. Aboriginal peoples have an exhaustive history which is retold in the form of legends, myths and part of their belief systems. A country with many peoples developed over more than 50,000 years a series of stories to explain the natural phenomena, the changing climate, the natural world of plants and animals. The spiritual realm of spirit beings was also comprehensively explained in their belief systems. This teacher resource reviews and gives lessons in all of the areas below to comprehensively introduce and discuss this fascinating part of the aboriginal culture. Areas covered include the following, Understanding why Myths and Legends occur, Myths and legends from around the world - other parts of the world and the Aboriginal peoples' patterns of stories and beliefs, Importance of Myths and Legends in Indigenous Societies, Social cohesions, General topics of myths etc - examples from various tribes. Creation Themes - list of key words, How did the themes develop and differ between people/​tribes and changes through time? Nature themes, Cultural stories - examples, Myth and legends - stories examples, Folklore and stories. Sacred Myths and Customs, Totems and birth signs, Songlines - chant of place, creation and making sense of the world and cosmos. Effects of Colonisation, Modern religions and effects - Aboriginal people today and their beliefs and religions, Dissolution and loss of tribal identity.' (Source: TROVE)

'The long tradition of oral history amongst Australia's Indigenous peoples shows tens of thousands of years of a culture built on the foundation of storytelling. In modern Australia, Indigenous stories can be told through dance, theatre, song, film, and television. This book looks at the history of Indigenous performing arts, as well as some of the noteworthy figures of these different artistic areas.' (Publication summary)

'Just as there is variety in skills, experiences, traditions and beliefs amongst non-Aboriginal people in Australia, there is much diversity amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their context, ambition and experience.' (Publication summary)

Aboriginal ANZACs is a brief overview of the contributions that the First Australians 'have made to Australia's Defence Forces. Starting in the Boer War (1899-1902) they have been involved in every major conflict Australia has faced! The actual numbers have been sadly missed as Aborigines in many cases, enlisted as Spanish, Indians, and other nationalities due to racial restrictions on their enlistment as First Australians. The likely number for World War One is 500 and for World War Two it was probably over 5000. This book cannot do justice to this long and proud record and is simply serving to focus a spotlight on the continuing involvement of Aborigines in Australia's Defence Forces.

'Aborigines were used in the Boer War as trackers and in later wars they ranged from horsemen to infantry personnel. In World War Two the range increased to commandos in coastwatch teams behind Japanese lines and many other roles. Vietnam and Middle East wars saw further involvement in all parts of the services. The current enlistment of Aboriginal defence service staff ranges across all defence sectors - army, navy and air force!

'These Aboriginal ANZACs were a proud and significant group who through tenacity, physical, and mental skills were able to play a significant contribution to Australia's war efforts. The stories are sad for some, proud for most and full of hope for a people to endure from racial and material adversity. Lest We Forget!' (Publication summary)