Booklist
Therefore most of the books chosen for this list are written by Indigenous people and communities that, whilst still on the receiving end of the brutality of the dominant culture, have not had their minds – their paradigm for living, shaped by it. In fact quite the reverse.
The books (and films) listed below offer each of us ways of opening our minds towards nature-based thinking.
The books and films listed below are just the ones I love.
To the producers, writers, film-makers and photographers of these vital and prescious works, I offer my immense gratitude, love and respect.
‘FIRE and the story of burning country’ –Text by Cape York Elders and Community Leaders. Photographs by Peter McConchie. Publisher Cyclops Press
Every land owner/farmer in the developed world should read this book and study this remarkable collection of photographs. The old farmers will relate to much of it, while it may cause those in control of the land today to reconsider their attitude and approach to the land under their management/care..
Quotes from FIRE book:
Victor Steffensen
‘Climate Change seems to be identified as a new threat by the institutions, taking away the basic truth that people are just disconnected from the land. This is a false sense of reality that simply continues to undermine traditional knowledge and stops community driven aspirations from being a part of current solutions.’
‘The government agencies won’t listen. The government agencies are public servants but yet they act like they’re land owners. It’s really sad to see how they respond. We need to work with young, positive people, not the old mentality of the government. That’s a sickness to everything.’
David Claudie
‘Our old people learned the land the right way, without relying on bulldozer-tractors, – there was nothing between us and the land.’
(Speaking about wildfires) ‘The problem is not the fire – It’s people with no proper relationship with the land.’
‘Us Indigenous mob, we belong to sharing for the benefit of all Australians, doesn’t matter if you are living in the big city we still got to manage country. There is country underneath that concrete jungle too, that place is sitting on land, all Mother Earth – foolish to pretend otherwise.’
‘Everything and all that is based on the land comes to our heart, it’s not our minds that tell us, through our heart we can sense and feel the way of the land, what time to burn, we see it and feel it, that’s the way we do things here.’
The Biggest Estate on Earth – Bill Gammage
Early European invaders and settlers continually reported that Australia resembled an English parkland, with grassy plains, open woodland, magnificent trees and abundant wildlife.
The author tells how Aboriginal people managed the land using highly specialised and skillful practices than was ever realized. This book is a labour of love by a remarkable Australian.
Sand Talk – Tyson Yunkaporta. Published by Harperone 2020
A lively and challenging read for the western mind. A great tool to help any revelationary set out on the restorative path to wholeness.
The author looks at global systems from an Indigenous perspective. He points to how comtemporary life is in sharp contrast from the original pattern of creation, and the effect this has on us all.
My People’s Dreaming – text by Max Dulumunmun Harrison. Photographs by Peter McConchie. Published by Harper Collins 2013
Max Dulumunmun Harrison, or Uncle Max as he was widely known, was an Elder of the Yuin people, who lived throughout the south coast of New South Wales. He shared his cultural knowledge for over 30 years and has taken over 6,000 people from all walks of life onto country, explaining Aboriginal ways and the intricate understandings of the environment.
My People’s Dreaming is a rare, personal insight into traditional Yuin teachings and is drawn from extensive interviews with Uncle Max.
‘When we look at the seasons changing, drought and flood, we see that what was in balance is out, due to the arrogance of the people of the modern world. Through our greed and selfishness, what was once our need has now become just our wanting.’
‘My masters were teaching me to watch the land talk to me. Now when I go out onto the land, I watch and listen to the world without making a sound – and through this, other dimensions open up.’
‘I feel sad that there is no initiation with non-indigenous people. Spiritual connectedness is so important, with a tree or water or a bay near the ocean. If you connect with them, they become significant to you.Don’t look at the money value of the land. look at the spiritual aspect of the land – and by doing so, look at what the land can give you. When it’s about money it’s got to be ripped from the ground. If you look at wealth differently you will understand Mother Earth is such an important thing.’
Why Warriors Lie Down and Die – Richard Trudgen. Published by Planet Corroboree.
Many books have been written about the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land, Australia. This one is very different. It speaks about the real situation faced every day, a reality that is hard for people of another culture to imagine” ***Please visit the Why Warriors website for practical cross-cultural teachings from the Yolngu team.
Whitefella Jump Up – Germaine Greer. Published by Black Ink Books 2004
The author suggests that embracing Aboriginality is the only way Australia can fully imagine itself as a nation. In a wide-ranging essay she suggests not how the Aborigine question may be settled but how a sense of being Aboriginal might save the soul of Australia.
We Will Not Be Saved – by Nemonte Nenquimo
Nemonte Nenquimo is one of the most forceful voices on climate-change activism. She has spearheaded the alliance of indigenous nations across the Upper Amazon and led her people to a landmark victory against Big Oil, protecting over half a million acres of primary rainforest. Her message to people in developed countries is sharp: Wake Up!
A Sand Country Almanac – Aldo Leopold Published by Oxford University Press 1949
The author shares his observations and reflections on the land and its inhabitants. Leopold inspires a deep appreciation of the exquisite beauty and complexity of nature and the urgent need to protect it.
The Sense of Wonder – Rachel Carson Published by Harper Collins 1998 (Written in 1955 byt he author of Silen Spring)
A tender and insightful exploration of the wonder and intricacy of nature, accompanied by her young grandson.
Films
Luku Ngarra – The Law of the Land
Produced/directed and written by Sinem Saban. Co-writter/Producer Rev Dr D Gondarra
Dr Gondarra, who is at the core of this film, has been a profoundly influential spiritual and political freedom fighter for his people for over 45 years.
‘Dr Gondarra has been an immeasurable gift to my life and to my family’s life. I am in constant awe of his humility, his sense of humour and his compassion for all humans.’ Sinem Saban
If you really want to discover the raw truth about the roots of colonialism and the capitalist culture, this film is a must see.
If you are truly genuine about using your life to make change and walk the revelationary road, watch this unique, , beautiful and disturbing documentary film.
Support the Truth Telling project of Sinem Saban and Dr Gondarra on https://chuffed.org/project/truthtellingwithdrgondarra
The Silver Branch by Silver Branch Films
A film about one man’s journey through life which underpins a search to reconnect with nature and culture as primary sources from which we learn a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
A truely gorgeous documentary film about one man’s courage in the face of a community turned against him as he struggles to protect his standing place at the Burren, County Clare.
Perfect Days Wim Wenders writes and directs with co-writer Takuma Takasaki
A truely exceptional and beautiful film.