Tiwi Story: Turning history downside up

by Mavis Kerinaiua, Laura Rademaker

‘I believe history is for healing. But you need to tell the whole story, the good and the bad. Telling the truth to the younger ones, the next generation, will make them strong.’ — Mavis Kerinaiua
The Tiwi people have more than their fair share of stories that turn ideas of Australian history upside down.
The Tiwi claim the honour of defeating a global superpower.
When the world’s most powerful navy invaded and attempted to settle the Tiwi Islands in 1824, Tiwi warriors fought the British and won. The Tiwi remember the fight, and oral histories reveal their tactical brilliance.
Later, in 1911, Catholic priest Francis Xavier Gsell decided to ‘purchase’ Tiwi women and ‘free’ them from traditional marriage, so girls would grow up into devoted Catholics.
But Tiwi women had more power in marriage negotiations than missionaries realised. They worked out how to be both Tiwi and Catholic. And it was the missionaries who came around to Tiwi thinking.
Then there are stories of the Tiwi people’s ‘number one religion’: Aussie Rules; Calista Kantilla remembers her time growing up in the mission dormitory; and Teddy Portaminni explains the importance of Tiwi history and culture as something precious, owned by Tiwi and the source of Tiwi strength.
In Tiwi Story, Mavis Kerinaiua, Laura Rademaker and Tiwi historians showcase stories of resilience, creativity and survival.
‘Tiwi Story is a powerful collection of pieces written by Tiwi people about their experiences of colonisation. Their recounts are an important telling of past and present issues confronting Tiwi people and their culture, shining a necessary spotlight on a history of forced assimilation and suppression of Indigenous culture and language. This book is a testament to the strength of the Tiwi people and provides insight into the ongoing impact of colonisation on Indigenous cultures.’ — Terri Janke
‘The writers’ deep connection to the people and places involved adds extra poignancy to each story and moment. Tiwi Story is a brilliant contribution to the history we tell about Australia.’ — Vuma Phiri, Books+Publishing

Genres: Nonfiction, Australia

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't mean to dismiss how innovative this book is by saying this is one simple trick, but part of what is so impressive about this history is that it all seems so obvious and easy. Kerinaiua and Rademaker bring two perspectives together in this book, integrating Rademaker's academic approach with oral histories and Tiwi understandings. Each author writes an introductory chapter, the main chapters are collaborations and each of those is introduced by an essay of remembrances from a Tiwi leader. The result is something completely new - a history which is accessible, emotional and manages to acknowledge multiple interpretations and shade events with experiences. This is helpful is allowing space for different experiences, especially in discussing faith and culture, or the contradictory experiences of mission life. In having dual perspectives, the book acknowledges that a myriad of perspectives exist, and yet that doesn't deny that in some things, community is united. It is a pleasurable, easy read and will resonate long after you've finished

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great approach in history writing, a collaborative work between an academic historian, Laura Rademaker and Tiwi historians.

[Christopher Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Nations centric views from Northern Australia giving insights into local history, culture and philosophies.

[Jude Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful account of Tiwi history! I loved the way the narrative was interlaced with voices of Tiwi people. I learned so much!