Marrul: Aboriginal Identity & the Fight for Rights

by Inala Cooper

What does reconciliation and truth-telling look like, and how do we as a nation find justice for Indigenous people?In this deeply personal work, Inala Cooper shares stories of her family to show the impact of colonisation on the lives of Aboriginal people from the 1940s to now. She reveals the struggles faced by her Elders and contrasts them with the freedoms she comes across as an Aboriginal woman today. Speaking only from lived experience, Inala examines racism, privilege, and how deeply personal is one's identity. Her stories illustrate the complexities of identifying as Aboriginal and the importance of community in an increasingly individualist world.Exploring the impacts of major events throughout her life, Inala reflects on how human rights are breached and defended. She examines reconciliation and the need to share wealth and power, and the importance of truth-telling and justice. In finding her place as an advocate and activist for social justice, Inala is supported by her family, her ancestors, community and the academy. It is these supports that help her challenge racist and outdated notions of what it means to be Indigenous, sovereign and self-determined, and to uphold the principles of justice.The thought-provoking stories in this book surface more questions than the necessary answers. But Inala brings us to her home as she weaves together her stories, the country she's connected to, and the elements that shape her path—none so prevalent as the changing wind.

Genres: Australia

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how clear and precise the language was, no fluff or filler. When Inala writes that something is revolting or disgusting you really feel it. A highlight of the book for me was her reflections on reconciliation.

I read this bc it’s by Dakotas cousin and talks a lot about Dakotas family!! Would recommend to anyone regardless of that but it was cool to read about some people I have met + family homes I have been to!

[Niamh]

A very insightful and important read.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging, frank reflection on the experience of one family through the generations. Cooper reflects on her grandmother's story - a rebel who paid dearly for her detirmination to choose her own relationships - her father's and uncle's leadership of, among other things, reconciliation processes and her own journey through academia and beyond. She keeps a tight focus on the struggle against racism and for the right for cultural survival.

[Ruby Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘“I didn’t learn about this at school”, as if the only learning we ever do is at school’

Wow, another amazing book and another wake up call. I would recommend this to anyone living in Australia as Inala discusses First Nation history, her experiences and the disgusting racism that is STILL occurring to this day that many are completely ignorant of. A must read!!!!

[Kel Lizarazo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book learning about Aboriginal Australian. This book aboard themes such as sovereignty, survival, voice, access, social justice and change, resistance, recognition and rights.

I was sadly impacted for many of the truth-telling stories like the government blankets given to Aboriginals were purposely infected with smallpox in the hope of killing off Aboriginal children” mentioned in the page 9.

Also left me a huge interrogation about the future of reconciliation.

P38: “If Reconciliation does not have an end point, how will know when we achieved it?

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read but an important one - to read first hand experiences of First Nations peoples lives and their fight for basic human rights is crucial.

[Hilm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and crisply written. I was horrified to learn the Australian government gave smallpox-infested blankets to Aboriginal children. I wished I had learned more about Inara Cooper’s father—he seems to be an important figure but I didn’t learn why from reading this.

[chloe]

Ate