Synopses & Reviews
The author challenges some previously strongly held opinions about the Aborigines: that their only shelters were frail mia-mias, that they had no attachment to a particular area of land, and that they were simple hunters and gatherers.
Synopsis
Jan Critchett challenges some of strongly held opinions about Aboriginal culture: that their only shelters were frail mia-mias, that they were nomadic and had no attachment to a particular area of land, and that they were simple hunters and gatherers. With a particular focus on the Western District of Victoria, known under the Squatting Act as Portland Bay, Critchett begins and ends the book with the story of Hissing Swan or Kaawirn Kuunawarn.
Synopsis
A unique study of early Aboriginal-white relations in the Western District of Victoria Jan Critchett challenges some of strongly held opinions about Aboriginal culture: that their only shelters were frail mia-mias, that they were nomadic and had no attachment to a particular area of land, and that they were simple hunters and gatherers. With a particular focus on the Western District of Victoria, known under the Squatting Act as Portland Bay, Critchett begins and ends the book with the story of Hissing Swan or Kaawirn Kuunawarn.
About the Author
Jan Critchett is an associate professor of Australian studies at Deakin University.