Aboriginal Australia and the Torres Strait Island

There are many common stereotypes of Aboriginal peoples. One is that we are all the same and conform to the idealised image of the naked Aborigine standing with spear in hand watching the sun set. This is a picture which quickly dissolved into the reality of the 21st century. We are as different as the landscapes of coast, desert, rainforest and snowy mountains. The land is different and so are we, the first peoples of the land.

Dr Irene Watson Aboriginal lawyer, writer and activist

What is the significance of dots in contemporary Aboriginal painting ? How many languages were spoken in Australia before colonisation ? What did the Mabo and Wik decisions mean ?

With contributions from more than 50 Indigenous Australians, including Yothu Yindi lead singer Mandawuy Yunupingu, internationally acclaimed writer Herb Wharton and former social justice commissioner Mick Dodson, this guidebook gives you an overview of the main issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people today.

Use this practical guide to find organised tours, festivals, indoor and outdoor art galleries, films, literature, Internet sites and other points where Indigenous people share their culture. Also included are tips and protocols for interacting respectfully with Indigenous people, recommended retailers working with Aboriginal communities and detailed information on the permits required to enter Aboriginal land. In addition to full-colour sections on Indigenous art, bush food and sport, this guide includes more than 40 detailed maps and a fold-out language group map.