Cirrus@Austlit

'...Message Stick is a collection of poems and short stories that defies the expected. Drawing from the contemporary, traditional and urban life experiences of established and emerging writers, Message Stick is an Aboriginal view of black culture, past, present and future. It is not manufactured dialogue by those 'who think they know', it is the many and diverse voices of Aboriginal Australia.' (Backcover)

'Presents contemporary writing and art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia. Discover the story of Payback Records, an Indigenous hip hop label founded by Essendon footballer Nathan Lovett-Murray. Some stunning photography by Wayne Quilliam, National NAIDOC Artist of the Year 2009. An interview with Kim Kruger, Project Manager of the famous Michael Long Walk. And artist/photographer Bindi Cole with writer Jirra Lulla Harvey, giving an insight into the stories of the Sista Girls from the Tiwi Islands, including Bindi's photograph that won the 2009 Deadly Art Award. Exceptional stories and poetry from Tony Birch, Ali Cobby Eckermann, John Harding, Dennis Fisher, Brenda Saunders, Nellie Green, Shirley Morgan, Katie Wyatt and many more; as well as book and music reviews.'  (Publication summary)