Former legendary AFL player and Adnyamathanha and Narungga man Adam Goodes will be releasing a picture book for kids later this year! Here are some frequently asked questions about Somebody’s Land, courtesy of Allen & Unwin Australia …
Ellie Laing, Adam Goodes and David Hardy
What is Somebody’s Land, and who is behind it?
Somebody’s Land is the first picture book in a new five-book series called Welcome to Our Country. It is designed to connect young children, parents and educators with First Nations history and culture. Intended for families, and children aged 4 to 8, it is an accessible picture book about First Nations history and the term ‘terra nullius’.
The series is a collaboration between Adnyamathanha and Narungga man Adam Goodes (former Australian Rules footballer, Australian of the Year in 2014 and co-founder of the GO Foundation), political advisor and former journalist Ellie Laing, and Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.
Is the concept of Somebody’s Land appropriate for preschool-age children?
Yes. Somebody’s Land has been created for children aged 4 to 8, and the creators hope the series will be an invaluable tool for children, parents and educators to start conversations and better understand our shared history. Although the book deals with a serious part of Australia’s history, it is ultimately a hopeful story and one that will further encourage reconciliation.
How can I introduce these ideas to my children or preschool/primary school age students, and what resources can I use for further learning? Are teacher’s notes available?
Educational resources for Somebody’s Land for use in the classroom and at home will be available at https://WelcomeToOurCountry.com.au closer to publication.
Is the artwork in Somebody’s Land historically accurate?
The artwork has been created referencing a range of primary sources including photos, videos and paintings. The art style means that creative licence has been taken with regard to historical accuracy, and clothing; and other details reflect the sensibilities of a contemporary audience. The settings are general, depicting the tropical north, central Australia, and scenes that reference colonial artworks in other states.
When will Somebody’s Land be published and where is it available?
Somebody’s Land will be published on 2 November 2021. It is currently available for pre-order at all Australian and New Zealand book retailers.
Why are Allen and Unwin publishing this book?
The purpose of the book (and the Welcome to Our Country series) is to shed light on Aboriginal culture and history for a mainstream Australian audience. The books encourage children and their parents to identify with the characters and the imagined scenes from the past and to see the impact of colonisation from a First Nations perspective. The creators and publishers hope the book will be a prompt for people to take a deeper interest in First Nations issues and explore the many other books, documentaries and films that are available.
What does the term ‘terra nullius’ mean?
Terra nullius is a Latin term meaning ‘land belonging to no one’. When Australia was declared a British colony in 1770, laws were established which denied the long history of Indigenous people’s occupation of the land. In 1992, in the ruling for the historic Mabo case, the High Court overturned the idea of terra nullius, recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s long and ongoing connection to the land.
Why is a Welcome to Country important?
Incorporating welcoming and acknowledgement protocols into official meetings and events recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of land. It promotes an ongoing connection to place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and shows respect for Traditional Owners. More information is available here:
What is the difference between a Welcome to Country, and an Acknowledgement of Country?
Welcome to Country is given by an Elder, Traditional Custodian, or recognised spokesperson of the local Aboriginal community. It is given to open proceedings at an event by welcoming you, your organisation and visitors to Country. The Welcome may provide a brief history or story about the land, their connection with it, or introduce you to some local customs or landmarks. It may involve stories, dance, song, a smoking ceremony or other activities.
An Acknowledgement of Land (or Acknowledgement of Country) serves the same purpose as a Welcome, to introduce and recognise the land and tradition; except in the case of an Acknowledgement, you are acknowledging Aboriginal people, Traditional Custodians and the land, rather than welcoming people to it. And, an Acknowledgement of Country can be given by any person, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.
You can find out more here from Blakworks.
How can I incorporate an Acknowledgment of Country into my next event?
An Acknowledgement of Country is usually delivered as part of Welcome and Housekeeping at meetings and events.
You can find out more here from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
What is an example of an Acknowledgement of Country that anyone can use in a corporate setting; what is the approved wording?
For examples of an Acknowledgement of Country, please click here.
To see a map of Indigenous Australia, please click here.
Where can I access more information about the Uluru Statement of the Heart?
Visit https://ulurustatement.org.
Somebody's Land
Welcome to Our Country
An accessible picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the term 'terra nullius' to a general audience, from Australian of the Year, community leader and anti-racism advocate Adam Goodes and political adviser and former journalist Ellie Laing, with artwork by Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.
Somebody's Land is an invitation to connect with First Nations culture, to acknowledge the hurt of the past, and to join together as one community with a precious shared history as old as time...
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