Heroes, Rebels and Innovators: Inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from History is a wonderful book written and thoroughly researched by Karen Wyld, an author of Martu descent. It celebrates the important contributions of seven historical First Nation people, telling their true stories of adventure, empathy, bravery and resistance. These compelling stories have been somewhat lost to history and are beautifully brought to life in this book.
We learn about Patyegarang, a Darug woman. She taught William Dawes, an officer of the First Fleet, how to speak her local language and they worked together to make the first books featuring Aboriginal languages. Tarenorerer was a brave warrior who dared to fight for the freedom of the Tommeginne people of Van Diemen’s Land in the early 1800s. David Unaipon was a Ngarrindjeri thinker and innovator, as well as an advocate for Aboriginal rights. He was the first Aboriginal writer to have a book published.
Each person’s account is told in two narratives: first from a lyrical First Nations storytelling perspective and then from a more formal viewpoint. The book features big, bold illustrations by Jaelyn Biumaiwai, an artist of Mununjali and Fijian descent. The striking front cover and rich, earthy shades of ochre, deep red and brown are sure to attract the attention of readers.
Heroes, Rebels Innovators is a great starting point for both children and adults to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their valuable historical contributions. Wyld has taken the time to engage with community, ensuring these stories are told as respectfully and as accurately as possible.
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