The Little Red Yellow Black Book: An Introduction to Indigenous Australia

by Bruce Pascoe

Originally published in 1994, The Little Red Yellow Black Book has established itself as the perfect starting point for those who want to learn about the rich cultures and histories of Australia’s First Peoples. Written from an Indigenous perspective, this highly illustrated and accessible introduction covers a range of topics from history, culture and the Arts, through to activism and reconciliation. In this fourth edition, readers will learn about some of the significant contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made, and continue to make, to the Australian nation. Common stereotypes will be challenged, and the many struggles and triumphs that we’ve experienced as we’ve navigated through our shared histories will be revealed. Readers will also learn about some of the key concepts that underpin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews including concepts such as the Dreaming, the significance of Ancestral Heroes and Country.


The Little Red Yellow Black Book is for readers of all backgrounds and provides an opportunity to discover more about the diverse, dynamic and continuing cultures of Australia’s First Peoples.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Australia, Indigenous

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Bruce Pascoe was born of Bunurong and Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond and graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Education. He is a member of the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative of southern Victoria and has been the director of the Australian Studies Project for the Commonwealth Schools Commission.

Bruce has had a varied career as a teacher, farmer, fisherman, barman, fencing contractor, lecturer, Aboriginal language researcher, archaeological site worker and editor.

He won the Fellowship of Australian Writers´ Literature Award in 1999 and his novel Fog a Dox (published by Magabala Books in 2012), won the Young Adult category of the 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Awards.
Source: http://brucepascoe.com.au/about/

Reviews

[Carol E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book by and about Indigenous people of Australia. It gives a brief overview of history, culture, language, achievements, legislation and legal proceedings, arts, ceremonies, and just about anything else you need to know about Indigenous Australians. The best thing about this book is that it is written BY indigenous people themselves and not just ABOUT them. The very last page is titled "Traveling Respectfully" and provides tips on how to inquire about entering communities, what things may or may not be taboo, rules regarding picture-taking, etc.

The history in Australia is sadly parallel to what happened here in the USA: settlers arrived and began grabbing land, pushing aside the native people and imposing horrible punishments upon them. In both places we are still grappling with the sad consequences of those cruel acts. I feel compelled to learn about these stories and to try to understand them.

This little book was sometimes a bit dry, but overall was a very interesting intro to a fascinating place and its people.

[sam howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a seminal high school text in all Australian secondary schools if it is not already. Also a great starting point for anybody gathering an interest in Australian Indigenous studies.

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted so much more form this than it gave, and maybe I should have taken more note of ‘introduction’ in the title. But even as an introduction, the more valuable parts for me were far too brief. Its numerous sections felt very ‘thrown together’, which made for a choppy read, and I felt it to be quite scant on cultural aspects despite the blurb. I guess it’s written to be just dipped into, but the sections are so so brief I’m not sure how it would serve as a resource.

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by an Indigenous author, "The Little Red Yellow Black Book: An Introduction to Indigenous Australia" is an excellent first glance at the until-now silenced Indigenous perspective of Australia's history. This little book aims for a non-chronological view of different issues that are of great relevance to understand Indigenous Australia, from their ways of life and sociocultural traditions to their activism, resistance, and achievements. As a non-Indigenous, non-Australian person, I didn't know anything about the topic before opening this book, and thus learned quite a bit. Still, I would perhaps argue that some sections felt very dry and overcrowded with names, dates, and numbers. I felt like, at times, different topics came across as choppy and a little scarce, which then again simply means that I'd like to have a deeper look at Indigenous Australia. All in all, this was a great introductory text.

[Andrew]

My understanding of indigenous and non-indigenous relations throughout Australia's colonised history has been broadened enormously by this book. Although it is really only a starting point it has made me aware of how little I know and understand about the traditional owners of this country. I'm inspired to learn more.

[Dianne Dejanovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview of Indigenous Australians, a good learning tool to introduce us to indigenous culture, the dispossession, milestones in resistance struggles and the fight for rights in their own country.

[Sharah McConville · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative non-fiction book. I gained a lot of information from this book for a uni assignment. Now I'm interested to read Bruce Pascoe's Dark Emu.

[Nita Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting easy read. I guess anyone who has a been active in and kept up with the developments in Australia over the past years may already know much of this book. BUT for me, who left Australia 1972 and only now, with digital meetings etc am finding out about so much that has happened since mid 70's. This is a perfect book to give an insight and understanding of what is happening and what still needs to happen in Australia.

[Milou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book that covers a lot of topics and helps lay a first foundation in understanding of indigenous history, culture, modern day life. Some chapters are more summations of facts and important names/places, whereas other chapters manage to bring a lot more depth to your understanding.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview for someone starting their journey to understanding

[Shadow Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just giving you a heads up that I’m allowed to call Australia Indigenous Land whenever I want coz it’ll always belong to them - the aboriginal & Torres Strait islanders

It was originally in 1994 so what I read is an updated version from 2020

This is actually an excellent guide to help you learn what you need to learn about the indigenous Australians from the British Invasion to the arts to the Uluru statement from the heart & the AIATSIS & Bruce Pascoe did an amazing job writing this guide

It’s a must read

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally feel that my knowledge and understanding of indigenous history and culture has been broadened by this book. It was enjoyable to read and not overly academic. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to begin educating themselves in these issues.

[Helen Blunden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty abysmal and ashamed of the treatment of our indigenous population. I never learned about aboriginal culture growing up and I’m horrified at my own ignorance on this matter. I hope that this changes as I read more about their culture.

[Silvio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this little book at Claire's wonderful place in Morvan, France. Not so much of the information I am interested in right now, mostly modern history and details that I found irrelevant (names and dates). Yet a very valuable source.

[Steven Kolber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of key points to ground people to the history and experiences of Indigenous Australia. Full of items that had me researching and reading further.

[Loz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely informative and a realistic look at the treatment and history of First Nations peoples.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
I got this book as part of an Indigenous mentoring program that I'm partaking in. I've long been fascinated by Aboriginal and Torres Islander culture and have sought out ways to engage with Indigenous stakeholders within government. I went on an Aboriginal cultural tour up a mountain in Canberra last year too and was astounded at how connected to the local environment the guide was. His knowledge of the land was amazing. I also think it's responsible to learn as much about Indigenous culture and history as possible so that you can be culturally sensitive, inclusive and work towards closing the gap.

This book provides a clear and succinct view into Indigenous culture and history. I suppose I'm only giving it four stars because I've completed a range of cultural competency courses so the majority of the information was not new to me (albeit a good reminder) and I think these kind of books would benefit from some dot point tips of how your average person can help maintain, respect and restore Indigenous culture.

I would recommend this book to everyone, learning about Indigenous culture is very important.

The main message I took from this book is the same message I get from most literature on the topic: Indigenous Australians are an enduring people who have suffered great injustices. Despite these setbacks, they continue to move forward and preserve what they can. But, more needs to be done. Everyone has a role to play in this.

Some notable points:
- The Dreaming is a unique religious concept and refers to the creation period and the 'everywhen' which embraces the past, present and future. It is an enduring life force.

- Torres Strait Islanders believed in and are connected to one another by Cult Heroes, ancestral beings who criss-crossed the Torres Strait.

- Colonisation destroyed a lot of the connections between Indigenous people and the land, and re-establishing these links is vita to the endurance of Indigenous culture. The Mabo decision overturned the assumption of terra nullius: that there were no recognisable Indigenous Australian rights to land before James Cook's arrival in 1788. This was an important move towards recognising the Indigenous connection the land.

- The level of stewardship of the land by Indigenous Australians is amazing. Resourcefulness coupled with sustainable practices made for a sustainable hunter-gatherer economy. There is a lot to be learned here.

- Many languages have been lost or partially lost and efforts are being made to preserve and revive as much as possible. Indigenous Australians may speak English as a 2nd, 3rd or 4th language, and this is important to be aware of in schooling.

- It is estimated that the Indigenous population at the time of colonisation was 500,000 people, but by 1933, 20% of this population had been lost to disease and dispossession.

- It is estimated that 43% of the Indigenous population lives in regional areas and about 86% of Torres Strait Islanders now live on the Australian mainland.

- There are so many issues with the way Indigenous Australians have been treated over the years, the effects of this are enduring and so far true reconciliation has not be achieved. Government action has often lacked consultation and misses the mark. Lots of room for improvement here.

- Events like NAIDOC week in July are for everyone to come together and celebrate the First Australians. Get among it.

- Travel respectfully.

[Siri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good informational read if you have interest in researching Indigenous Australia. Cultures clash and the question of what is best and for whom ....

[Ruby Tombstone Lives! · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is a very basic little book, it's fantastic that there is such an easily accessible introductory book around.