growing up aboriginal in australia anita heiss

Reflecting on the anthology in her editorial ‘Introduction’, Heiss writes that there were no limitations placed on the content of the contributions, resulting in truly multivocal, heterogeneous and deeply compelling stories which speak for themselves.Įach contributor reveals personal and vastly diverse understandings of their own identity and personal history. As a socially and politically engaged author, editor and educator, Heiss is committed to empowering marginalised communities through art and literacy. Heiss is a proud Wiradjuri woman who has previously related her experiences of growing up Aboriginal in Australia in her memoir Am I Black Enough for You? (2012). The anthology is edited by Dr Anita Heiss, a prominent author of fiction, non-fiction, social commentary and a groundbreaking genre of women’s commercial fiction featuring Indigenous protagonists. Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia is a landmark anthology featuring 51 temporally, geographically and culturally diverse contributions from Aboriginal people detailing their experiences of growing up in Australia. This is a valuable resource for those wanting to listen to, learn from and better understand the diverse experiences and perspectives of Aboriginal people in Australia, finds Maja Milatovic, and will also prompt many readers to consider their own implication in unequal, imperialist power structures that continue to impact on everyday lives. provides a diverse snapshot of Indigenous Australia from a much needed Aboriginal perspective.With the edited collection Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia, Anita Heiss brings together a range of multivocal, heterogeneous and deeply compelling contributions from 51 Aboriginal writers reflecting on their experiences of growing up in Australia. ‘ Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia is a mosaic, its more than 50 tiles – short personal essays with unique patterns, shapes, colours and textures – coming together to form a powerful portrait of resilience.’ - The Saturday Paper This groundbreaking collection will enlighten, inspire and educate about the lives of Aboriginal people in Australia today.Ĭontributors include: Tony Birch, Deborah Cheetham, Adam Goodes, Terri Janke, Patrick Johnson, Ambelin Kwaymullina, Jack Latimore, Celeste Liddle, Amy McQuire, Kerry Reed-Gilbert, Miranda Tapsell, Jared Thomas, Aileen Walsh, Alexis West, Tara June Winch, and many, many more.

All of the contributors speak from the heart – sometimes calling for empathy, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect. What is it like to grow up Aboriginal in Australia? This anthology, compiled by award-winning author Anita Heiss, showcases many diverse voices, experiences and stories in order to answer that question.Īccounts from well-known authors and high-profile identities sit alongside those from newly discovered writers of all ages.

Childhood stories of family, country and belonging

Growing up aboriginal in australia anita heiss