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TOORAK LIBRARY: Indigenous Resources - Toorak

Reconciliation 2021

Book Recommendations

My Culture and Me

A stirring story about pride, respect and maintaining culture. Feel the rhythm of the music, from your heart down to your feet. Enjoy the movements of melodies, as clapsticks keep a strong beat. This is my culture. This is me. Beautifully written and illustrated, My Culture and Me is a heartfelt and stirring story of cherishing and sustaining Indigenous cultures.

Say Yes

A story about how the events surrounding the historic 1967 Referendum played out in the everyday lives of two young girls.

From Little Things Big Things Grow

Paul Kelly and Kev Carmodys remarkable song, From Little Things Big Things Grow, is the anthem of the Land Rights movement in Australia.

It tells the story of the proud Gurindji people and their stand against the might of the cattle baron, Lord Vestey.

 

Same but a little different

Summary: Right up the very top of Australia there is a special place. My friend Normie comes from there, and he says, Things are different to what you might see in the city. Same, but little bit different' Told in the stunning collage artwork for which Kylie Dunstan is acclaimed, the story is related by a child living in a southern city and her friend Normie, who lives in the top end. As they compare notes about their lives, activities and interests, they discover how very much they have in common, despite their contrasting environments.

Black Fella White Fella

This song came to me when I was living in Papunya in 1982. Here I was—in the minority as a whitefella working in a majority blackfella community—but I was having a great time. I was mixing in and getting on well with everyone. Especially the young fellas my own age. We played footy and music together.
So with that and the truth of the experiences I was having in Papunya the song just came to me. It was like a simple but powerful message. 

My People

Summary: In this book 'My people with Eddie's Lil' Homies', children learn about Aboriginal culture. Eddie Betts is one of Australia's most well know Aboriginal AFL players. Following on from the success of his first book, My kind, Eddie aims to educate young Australians on Aboriginal culture which has a unique history dating back over 60 thousand years. Eddie hopes all children can have access to literacy and learning opportunities.

Welcome to Country

Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. We are part of this land and the land is part of us. This is where we come from. Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy is a most respected senior Wurundjeri elder of the Kulin alliance. This is a very accessible welcome that introduces and gives meaning and explanation within the text to the customs and symbols of Indigenous Australia. 

Respect

"Our way is old. Older than the red earth. Older than flickering stars. Our way is respect." A story reminding us to respect others and respect ourselves.

Rocky and Louie

A heartfelt story about the bond between two brothers and their special connection to country. Illustrated by CBCA award-winning picture-book creator Dub Leffler, and written by acclaimed singer/storyteller Phil Walleystack and award-winning children's author Raewyn Caisley. Louie's big brother, Rocky, has big dreams and wants to chase them. But Louie doesn't want him to forget where he belongs . . . 

Stories for Simon

A beautiful story of acknowledging the past and working together for a brighter future When Simon unwraps a beautiful boomerang wrapped in an old newspaper, he learns of the national apology to the Stolen Generations. Who were the Stolen Generations and how can saying "sorry" help? Through a new friendship and a magnificent collection of stories, Simon gains a deep appreciation of the past and a positive vision for the future. Includes a foreword by Bidjigal Elder Vic Simms and endorsement from Adam Goodes, Australian of the Year 2014.

Sorry Day

Long ago and not so long ago, the children were taken away, their sorrow echoing across the land. But today there is hope. Today is special. The crowd hums with excitement. Maggie and her mother wait, and then they hear the words: 'To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, we say sorry!' Sorry Day acknowledges the past and shows willingness to make things right.

Picture Story Books

Reconciliation Week Resources 2021 NAIDOC Week Resources 2021

Reconciliation Action Plan R.A.P.

Taking Action

Possum Skin Cloak

Possum Cloak Makers

ELC Wominjeka Mural

Nonfiction Books in the Library

Indigenous Coordinator

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