1. Aboriginal Australians
2. Colonisation
3. Country
4. First contact with Europeans
5. First Nations people
6. Relationship to place

This book is a poignant, empowering call for action, which exposes the bias that we all – consciously or subconsciously – hold, as settler Australians. We are invited to consider the ways in which we might begin to be aware of - and then actively fight – these biases.

It is one thing to be aware of bias and prejudice, but it is yet another to take action, to make a difference – and this book is a call for active learning, for developing an awareness of bias in ourselves, and for acknowledging mistakes.

This is a beautifully crafted book, from each carefully chosen word to the bright, engaging use of colour and design on the front cover – reminding us of the symbiotic relationship we have with our environment.

Ambelin Kwaymullina writes in a poetic verse-style format that is easily accessible for a teen and adult audience. The writing is moving, articulate, empowering – through directly addressing the reader it effectively inspires us to challenge our ways of thinking.

Reading this book inspires a deeper understanding of the need to deconstruct myths about Australia’s past and to centre the voices of First Nations people. We are invited to build respectful relationships, and connect with and celebrate all parts of Country.

This book is a timely reminder that we are, indeed, living on stolen land, and Ambelin Kwaymullina challenges us - as readers - to ask: what can we do about it?

Ambelin Kwaymullina belongs to the Palyku people of the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia.

1. Wheeler, Christina. Magabala Books. ‘Teacher Notes: Living on Stolen Land.’ https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0092/5043/9268/files/Living_on_Stolen_Land-Teacher_Notes.pdf?v=1598839163
2. Leane, Jeanine. Sydney Review of Books. 6 Nov 2020. ‘Living on Stolen Land: Deconstructing the Settler Mythscape.’ https://sydneyreviewofbooks.com/review/kwaymullina-living-on-stolen-land/
3. Barani website: Sydney’s Aboriginal History. ‘Visual Arts.’ https://www.sydneybarani.com.au/themes/visual-arts/
4. Bringing Them Home. ‘Stories of the Stolen Generations.’ https://bth.humanrights.gov.au/
5. Federal Court of Australia. 20 October 2017. The Rule of Law and Reconciliation. ‘Opening Address to the Law Society of New South Wales Young Lawyers’ Conference.’ https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/digital-law-library/judges-speeches/justice-jagot/jagot-j-20171020
6. Hall, Fiona. SBS. A Study Guide. Cultural Competence Program. ‘Module 4: Unconscious Bias.’ https://www.sbs.com.au/sites/sbs.com.au.home/files/sbs_learn_study_guide_cultural_competence_program_m4.pdf
7. Astle, David. 4 August 2020. SBS. ‘Evenings with David Astle: Ambelin Kwaymullina on the Importance of Truth Listening.’ https://www.sbs.com.au/sites/sbs.com.au.home/files/sbs_learn_study_guide_cultural_competence_program_m4.pdf
8. Browning, Daniel. ABC Radio National. 1 Aug 2020. ‘Living on Stolen Land: Can You Unravel Settler Colonisation?’ https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/living-on-stolen-land-is-a-poetic-manifesto/12511794
9. GleeBooks Author Talks. YouTube. 14 July 2020. ‘Ambelin Kwaymullina in Conversation with Teela Reid – Living on Stolen Land.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDceCazXDjI