Cirrus@Austlit

'Writing is very new for us. We didn't have writing and our history is not written and held in trust in libraries for us. We are finding it very exciting to be able to express our feelings and at the same time we are exploring the process of writing and discovering that it's new and an adventure. It is a good opportunity and a chance to write and share with others. I want to share my knowledge of our culture and my love of writing.' (Source: back cover)

"The title Unwashed doesn't mean 'dirty' or 'unclean'. It is a term for reconciliation in that friendship comes without first washing hands or being something other than is expected. It speaks against stereotyping.

No bleaching required to get rid of the 'germs'. In other words true friendship is about accepting one another as they are: clean slate, no preconceived notions. Accepted for whatever they may have been or may be. It doesn't really matter. It's called 'getting on with the job'.

Hands reach out and clasp in immediate friendship and then the story telling, the empathy begins, and a new path is laid out to tread.

This is Treaty: path to self determination and self empowerment because at that accepted level of non-judgement two cultures can stay strong for culture and family; sharing all kinds of wondrous things about getting down and living life."

Source: Author's note.