Faith in action
National Reconciliation Week 2024
Join us as together we pursue ‘Reconciliation Through the Cross’ by humbling ourselves, laying down our defences, and daring to take up our cross as we imitate Christ’s sacrificial love.
Read moreThere are many wonderful resources for leading Children into engaging with Aboriginal culture, history and injustice.
Always be mindful to check that any book you're considering that presents itself as Aboriginal, is actually by Aboriginal people. As an example, just because a book in titled Dreamtime stories doesn’t necessarily mean that the author is an Aboriginal person or that the artwork is by an Aboriginal person.
All books below are by Aboriginal authors, except for two which are co-authored by a Non-Indigenous person, and they have been grouped into categories for your guidance.
Books developed by Aboriginal Christian Leaders
Jesus Christ, Boolanga Yira Nop-ang Koorlangwetta Bardip | Jesus Christ, Son of God Birth Story
Translations by Tim Little
Illustrations by Daphne Davis
The Perth Dicesan Trustees, 2014
ISBN 9780646932118
The Saga of King Waa-Gun
Written by John Long Illustrated by Kirralaa Karrimbi
Boolarong Press, 2017
ISBN 9781925522679
Walking to Corroboree
Walking to Corroboree is a gentle story that tells of the harmony that existed between the land and the First Australians who walked softly on it for at least 60,000 years.
The language of the Adnyamathanha people of the Northern Flinders Rangers in South Australia is embedded throughout the storyline. It is an honour and a privilege given to the reader to incorporate one of the few Aboriginal languages still spoken today.
Available here and watch Rhanee Tsetsakos read Walking to Corroboree here.
Written and Illustrated by Anne Kerr (Non-Indigenous) & Rhanee Tsetsakos (Aboriginal Christian Leader)
Boolarong Press, 2018
ISBN 9781925522747
Sorry Sorry
Sorry Sorry is a great resource for the first step to informing young children of a significant aspect of Australian history, as it includes age-appropriate illustrations and dialogue. This book can also be used as an introduction to understanding the journey of Reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples.
The hope is that Sorry Sorry can be used to enable other educators, be they teachers, family or friends, to begin the conversation of Australia’s early history with the young people in their lives. It is hoped that Sorry Sorry will go some way in helping build a platform where understanding, appreciation and respect for “All Peoples” can be built.
By Anne Kerr (Non-Indigenous Author), Artwork by Marda Pitt (Aboriginal Christian Leader)
Boolarong Press, 2019
ISBN 9781925877359
Uplifting and educational books by First Nations Authors and Illustrators
Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples
Available here
Written by Isaiah Firebrace and illustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai
Hardie Grant Explore, 2022
ISBN: 9781741178166
Young Dark Emu
This version is recommended for all ages, not just children. Available here.
By Bruce Pascoe
Magabala Books, 2019
ISBN 9781925360844
Welcome to Country
This multi-award-winning picture book is an expansive and generous Welcome to Country from a most respected Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy, beautifully given form by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy. Available here
Written by Aunty Joy Murphy Illustrated by Lisa Kennedy
Black Dog Books, 2016
ISBN 9781922244871 (Hardback)
ISBN 9781760652005 (Board Book - for young children)
Books about racism
Silly Birds
Written and illustrated by Gregg Dreise
Magabala Books, 2014
ISBN 9781922142993
Fair Skin Black Fella
By Renee Fogorty
Magabala Books, 2010
ISBN 9781921248146
Books that teach language
Gubbi Gubbi Animal Friends
Written by Christine Stuart and Susan Clark
Illustrated by Bianca Clark
Balu Yabun, 2013
ISBN 9780987540300
Tjitji Tjuta Inmaku Pakantjaka Book (For All the Kids to Dance Ceremony) [Book, DVD, CD]
A project of Carclew, Anangu Education Service and the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee.
Carclew, 2014
ISBN 9780646927510
Note: This book may be difficult to find.
Landscape, wonder and awe
Wilam
Written by Aunty Joy Murphy & Andrew Kelly Illustrated by Lisa Kennedy
Black Dog Books, 2019
ISBN 9781925381764
Gubbi Gubbi Bush Tucker Girl
Written by Christine Stuart and Susan Clark
Illustrated by Bianca Clark and Gabrielle Cloutier
Balu Yabun, 2016
ISBN 9780987540317
Possum and Wattle
By Bronwyn Bancroft
Little Hare, 2008
ISBN 9781921541674
Dreaming Stories
The echidna and the shade tree
Told by Mona Green
Retold and illustrated by Pamela Lofts
Scholastic Australia, 1984
ISBN 9781865046228
Dunbi the owl
Told by Daisy Utemorrah
Retold and illustrated by Pamela Lofts
Scholastic Australia, 1983
ISBN 9781865046266
Warnayarra - the Rainbow Snake
Told by The Senior Boys Class - Lajamanu School
Compiled by Pamela Lofts
Scholastic Australia, 1987
ISBN 9781741699685 (Big Book format)
ISBN 9781865046235 (Paperback)
How the Birds Got Their Colours
Told by Mary Albert
Complied by Pamela Lofts
Scholastic Australia, 2004
ISBN 9781865046242
Stradbroke Dreamtime
By Oodgeroo Nunukul
Angus & Robertson 1972
ISBN 9780207198656
Download A4 printables and colouring-in sheets developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Leader and artist, Safina Stewart.
National Reconciliation Week Colouring In
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Leader and artist, Safina Stewart has created this amazing A4 colouring in for National Reconciliation Week. Why not colour it in with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag colours — black, red, yellow, blue and green (and white!)!
@ArtBySafina
National Sorry Day Colouring In
Safina Stewart also created a colouring in design for National Sorry Day, that is great for all ages.
@ArtBySafina
Chalk Art and Paper Stitching
Get the whole family involved in creating by decorating your driveway or footpath with chalk art and sharing your commitment to #StillWalkingForReconciliation with your neighbours! For those a bit older grab some needle and thread and create a paper stitch.
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