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Why Warriors Lie Down and Die: Towards an Understanding of Why the Aboriginal People of Arnhem Land Face the Greatest Crisis in Health and Education Since European Contact- Djambatj Mala
"This fascinating book is about walking together, about understanding, about reconciliation." - Ray Martin, Media Personality
Why Warriors Lie down and die is essential reading for anyone interested in indigenous peoples. It provides hope and new direction for those searching for the answers as to why "the problems" seems to persist in Aboriginal communities. It also offers insights for those who want a greater understanding of the issues involved in achieving true reconciliation.
In Arnhem Land, as in Indigenous communities across Australia, the situation is dire; health is poor, unemployment is rife and life is short.
Why Warriors lie down provides a fresh analysis of this crisis and offers examples of how the people can once again take control of their own lives.
Finding the real cause of this crisis requires the reader to look at it from the other side of the cultural / language divide - the side where the Yolngu people live. The Book Why Warriors Lie Down and Die takes us to that side.
Why Warriors Lie down and die is essential reading for anyone interested in indigenous peoples. It provides hope and new direction for those searching for the answers as to why "the problems" seems to persist in Aboriginal communities. It also offers insights for those who want a greater understanding of the issues involved in achieving true reconciliation.
In Arnhem Land, as in Indigenous communities across Australia, the situation is dire; health is poor, unemployment is rife and life is short.
Why Warriors lie down provides a fresh analysis of this crisis and offers examples of how the people can once again take control of their own lives.
Finding the real cause of this crisis requires the reader to look at it from the other side of the cultural / language divide - the side where the Yolngu people live. The Book Why Warriors Lie Down and Die takes us to that side.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
59 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 27, 2023
Finally got back to reading and decided to read this book after a recommendation from a colleague. It brought up some interesting concepts and good for widening your perspective on how the negative health outcomes for Yolŋu have arisen. It brought out some good reflections and would encourage anyone to read it who is planning on working in East Arnhem land
October 13, 2012
So far the best book I have read on Community Develop and an excellent book to understand the history and current state of Indigenous Australia. A must read for all Australians.
Although the book is concentrating on Arnhem Land in NT, Australia - its messages and the understanding it provides could be useful for anyone working with or wanting to understand indigenous people or minority groups living in a society dominated by another language and cultural group.
Although the book is concentrating on Arnhem Land in NT, Australia - its messages and the understanding it provides could be useful for anyone working with or wanting to understand indigenous people or minority groups living in a society dominated by another language and cultural group.
July 1, 2018
3.5 - this is a hugely important book that draws together insights that Trudgen has compiled from decades of working with communities in Arnhem land. The writing is a bit clunky and structurally it doesn't always work, but there's so much of value here that it doesn't really matter.
July 15, 2016
The Aboriginal Question. That is a common enough phrase in 'the dominant society' of Australia, and I for one have often wondered what 'The Solution' is, all without knowing anything at all about the aboriginal population or its plight. I live in the city, my aboriginal knowledge was based purely on seeing these people in that environment and not much liking what I saw.
The last 5 years I have been travelling through the outback and most recently in Arnhemland and everywhere I go I look and listen to their stories and read what I can, and now I have read 'Why Warriors' and simply put, it is the saddest book Ive ever read.
The sadness comes from knowing that even though we have a comprehensive document covering the effects of our civilisation on the Yolŋu nation since colonisation, and thanks to Richard Trudgen, practical ways to work with them, I'd be surprised if anything has changed as witnessed by the brutal and thoughtless 'intervention' of 2008.
I made the comment when reviewing the book Maningrida, that every so-called solution is always constructed within a whitefellow framework for whitefellow purposes, which is exactly the premise of Why Warriors.
Make no mistake, this is a textbook of enormous significance and should be mandatory reading for anyone and everyone who has anything to do with the aboriginal people.
The last 5 years I have been travelling through the outback and most recently in Arnhemland and everywhere I go I look and listen to their stories and read what I can, and now I have read 'Why Warriors' and simply put, it is the saddest book Ive ever read.
The sadness comes from knowing that even though we have a comprehensive document covering the effects of our civilisation on the Yolŋu nation since colonisation, and thanks to Richard Trudgen, practical ways to work with them, I'd be surprised if anything has changed as witnessed by the brutal and thoughtless 'intervention' of 2008.
I made the comment when reviewing the book Maningrida, that every so-called solution is always constructed within a whitefellow framework for whitefellow purposes, which is exactly the premise of Why Warriors.
Make no mistake, this is a textbook of enormous significance and should be mandatory reading for anyone and everyone who has anything to do with the aboriginal people.
October 6, 2014
All Australians need to read this book. So much to learn about Aboriginal culture and history. It was truly an eye opener. Thankyou Richard Trudgen.
February 13, 2015
This book comprehensively explores the lives and stories of Aboriginal Australians from their own stories and in their own words. It portrays a sophisticated and just community which is quite different to the common misperception that Aboriginal Australians were nomadic and primitive. This is without a doubt the most humanising account of the Australian Aboriginal people that I have ever read, but be warned: it lights a fire for justice and empowerment that may just take you to the far reaches of Australian civilisation.
April 20, 2014
So it comes down to language. Cultural barriers are secondary to language barriers. Without language, there is no possibility of authentic understanding, and without that no hope for control.
Loss of control - of one's own body, could there be anything worse? - is the main reason people lie down and die.
Loss of control - of one's own body, could there be anything worse? - is the main reason people lie down and die.
July 22, 2009
This will be a re-read: I first read it many years ago.
April 20, 2023
This was a fascinating read.
October 23, 2020
“When the people have control over their lives, they know they are as human as dominant culture people. This allows them to be proud and to be actively involved in their destiny. Control is the essence of good health”
The European Invaders took away the control the Indigenous Peoples of Australia and the Torres Straight Islands, had over their lives. They were massacred. They were told where and how to live. Their children were taken away. They are told their laws and courts don’t count. They are not allowed to use their traditional trade or use their own economic system. They are told they need to learn English to live and work. They need to learn a trade to build and maintain their own communities. But how are they expected to learn English from us when we don’t speak their language. How is that possible? And when they can’t they are told it’s because they aren’t smart enough. They are too simple. The jobs they were told to get are then taken by dominant society. Our diseases annihilate them. Welfare is then handed out to fix the problem. They are judged as lazy and alcoholics. Nearly all control has been taken away.
This book outlines ways to truly help. Ways to give back that control. Written by a man who lived in Arnhem Land for over 20 years. He spoke the languages. He was a trusted member of their society. I was worried this book would be hard to get through, but it’s written so well it was a breeze. I understand so much more than I did before. Communication and Control are the keys for these amazing people to thrive. Please read this book.
The European Invaders took away the control the Indigenous Peoples of Australia and the Torres Straight Islands, had over their lives. They were massacred. They were told where and how to live. Their children were taken away. They are told their laws and courts don’t count. They are not allowed to use their traditional trade or use their own economic system. They are told they need to learn English to live and work. They need to learn a trade to build and maintain their own communities. But how are they expected to learn English from us when we don’t speak their language. How is that possible? And when they can’t they are told it’s because they aren’t smart enough. They are too simple. The jobs they were told to get are then taken by dominant society. Our diseases annihilate them. Welfare is then handed out to fix the problem. They are judged as lazy and alcoholics. Nearly all control has been taken away.
This book outlines ways to truly help. Ways to give back that control. Written by a man who lived in Arnhem Land for over 20 years. He spoke the languages. He was a trusted member of their society. I was worried this book would be hard to get through, but it’s written so well it was a breeze. I understand so much more than I did before. Communication and Control are the keys for these amazing people to thrive. Please read this book.
December 13, 2012
Very, very good book. Again, took a little while to get through, but so incredibly insightful into the health and education crisis in Arnhem Land. No dual language dictionaries exist, so how is it possible for the people to ever master English as a second language?! Also gave a shocking account of the history of treatment of Aboriginal people in Arnhem Land since European contact (in part 1). I feel like everyone should have to read part 1 of this book at least!
June 30, 2010
Great book to read if you seek some insight into the difficulties in applying non Indigenous law and other programs to Indigenous commuities and peope. Fascinating book and very easy to read. I have heard of people who dispute some of the information in the book, but alas it makes you query how your perception of the world and its players may differ to others perceptions.
August 21, 2012
And re reading this insight into Indigenous people in Arnhem Land NT Australia after my time in the NT I found this to be an informative read that connects the people to the land . I myself have been privileged to have sat at many a fire with brother;s and sista'a from many tribes across the NT and QLD for this I am very blessed as a white sista .
October 14, 2015
Fantastic book about the culture and affairs of one Indigenous group, the best I've come across (not that that's saying much!). Essential reading for anyone interested in how to close the gap without further annihilating the world's oldest living culture, and seeing the world from a vastly different perspective.
December 28, 2014
A truly great work... This should be recommended for all educators and is a wonderful resource. You can read my full review at http://janhawkinsau.wordpress.com/201...
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Read
August 5, 2011Simply written and simple themes, why is it so hard?!
April 26, 2015
An amazing and worthwhile work, from a wealth of experience and full of great stories.
October 22, 2020
This book explains SO much. It explains why Aboriginal issues are so complicated, in a very straight-forward easy-to-understand way, with lots of examples. It gives suggestions on how to overcome these issues. I'm sad to see that it was written many years ago, because I can't help but wonder why action hasn't been taken after people have read it? Have the right people (policy makers and movers and shakers) not read it?
This is MUST-READ text for anyone who is working with Indigenous Australian healthcare or advocacy. I have been recommending it to every Australian healthcare library (organisation, hospital, clinic, etc) I come across. I would also like to recommend "Ask the Specialist: Larrakia, Tiwi and Yolŋu stories to inspire better healthcare" podcast, if you are working in healthcare.
I have found myself utterly convinced by the author, and welcome any critique or opposing views to make my understanding more balanced. For example, this book (and podcast) focuses on Yolnu people in northwest Australia. I am aware that First Nations people comprise of hundreds of different groups and cultures and languages and so am not sure how applicable it is to First Nations people in other geographical areas.
This is MUST-READ text for anyone who is working with Indigenous Australian healthcare or advocacy. I have been recommending it to every Australian healthcare library (organisation, hospital, clinic, etc) I come across. I would also like to recommend "Ask the Specialist: Larrakia, Tiwi and Yolŋu stories to inspire better healthcare" podcast, if you are working in healthcare.
I have found myself utterly convinced by the author, and welcome any critique or opposing views to make my understanding more balanced. For example, this book (and podcast) focuses on Yolnu people in northwest Australia. I am aware that First Nations people comprise of hundreds of different groups and cultures and languages and so am not sure how applicable it is to First Nations people in other geographical areas.
April 11, 2021
This is the most important piece of Australian literature we have.
The author navigates the third cultural space in such a powerful way. He’s lived Yolnu way and is able to translate and be the voice for the dominant culture.
All leaders of all areas should be required to read this book move worked in community and as a relentless advocate for Aboriginal education for a decade. I thought I knew a lot. This book shattered me and my thinking. So so wonderful.
The author navigates the third cultural space in such a powerful way. He’s lived Yolnu way and is able to translate and be the voice for the dominant culture.
All leaders of all areas should be required to read this book move worked in community and as a relentless advocate for Aboriginal education for a decade. I thought I knew a lot. This book shattered me and my thinking. So so wonderful.
August 10, 2024
Fascinating book about how to approach cultural differences and finally a comprehensive explanation of the common problem between a colonising culture and the colonised. Potentially problems applicable to America, Africa, and so on... Beautiful approach on invertigacion learning and the process of getting into the perspective and mind of the other culture for a effective communication and problem solving. Freire book on psicóloga of the Oppressed semmes like a book to read!
July 17, 2025
A fantastic insight into the many problems faced by indigenous Australians in modern Australia, their original causes, and what we can do to address them. Extremely informative and I would highly recommend this to anyone in Australia to read.
April 19, 2023
Yes yes yes
October 23, 2023
Intéressant mais pas très fluide à lire. On sens que cela vient d'un texte de thèse.
Malgres tout, j'ai appris beaucoup de choses sur le sujet.
Malgres tout, j'ai appris beaucoup de choses sur le sujet.
July 17, 2025
Very important book to read if you work in the NT with indigenous people.
September 18, 2025
very very insightful. must read
June 23, 2024
The book focuses on the history of the Yolŋu people in Arnhem Land and the challenges First Nations people face in modern Australia. From the devastating histories of first contact and the loss of land, life and culture to the challenges of poor health, unemployment, low life expectancy and other obstacles to living a fulfilling life with equal opportunities and the chance to prosper (not only in economic terms). This book ties in brilliantly with a movie, Charlie’s country (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3244512/), that is also set in Arnhem Land with the same themes.
The book talks about the same issue of communication some other books about the Aboriginal experience – how things do not translate from one language to another, and that is one of the causes of the Aboriginal health crises. When English is used, a patient might understand the words but not the real meaning behind them. The book says: “For readers who don’t speak a second language, it must be said that there is no such thing as literal translation of languages. In other words, a word in one language does not always have a different equivalent in another language.”
Because – through work – I have been exposed to much material on Indigenous research and culture – a lot of the things in the book do not surprise me. I also find myself longing for a more Indigenous voice – not Indigenous stories told by others. But I do recognise the merits of the book and do understand why it is considered essential reading. But it should not be the only entry to understanding Indigenous realities. There is so much material that is equally important. A good place to start is Jumbunna institute (https://www.uts.edu.au/research/jumbu...) or AJATSIS (https://aiatsis.gov.au/)
I read this book as part of our project Virtual Nomad that explores and celebrates food, writing, cinema and music from different countries. www.myvirtualnomad.com
The book talks about the same issue of communication some other books about the Aboriginal experience – how things do not translate from one language to another, and that is one of the causes of the Aboriginal health crises. When English is used, a patient might understand the words but not the real meaning behind them. The book says: “For readers who don’t speak a second language, it must be said that there is no such thing as literal translation of languages. In other words, a word in one language does not always have a different equivalent in another language.”
Because – through work – I have been exposed to much material on Indigenous research and culture – a lot of the things in the book do not surprise me. I also find myself longing for a more Indigenous voice – not Indigenous stories told by others. But I do recognise the merits of the book and do understand why it is considered essential reading. But it should not be the only entry to understanding Indigenous realities. There is so much material that is equally important. A good place to start is Jumbunna institute (https://www.uts.edu.au/research/jumbu...) or AJATSIS (https://aiatsis.gov.au/)
I read this book as part of our project Virtual Nomad that explores and celebrates food, writing, cinema and music from different countries. www.myvirtualnomad.com
September 26, 2024
This is a book that for me has truly shaped the ways in which I perceive Australia's past and present, and our progression to a more equitable and understanding society.
I will also add that it was definitely a trek to get through this book, and literary wise it was frustrating and long-winded to read through in parts, but easy and engaging in others.
I will also add that it was definitely a trek to get through this book, and literary wise it was frustrating and long-winded to read through in parts, but easy and engaging in others.
April 5, 2016
Explains very clearly why most well-intended efforts to help aboriginal people have gone and continue to go horribly wrong. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to understand the problem, rather than lecture aboriginal people.
January 19, 2015
Great read and recommended reading for any Australians or anyone planning to visit Australia
September 7, 2016
A must read for all Balanda
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews