Corey Tutt is a Kamilaroi man from Nowra on the New South Wales south coast. In 2018, while working as a research assistant for the University of Sydney, Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide science books and telescopes to remote schools in Australia, and connects young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEM subjects. In 2020, Corey was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year, and a Human Rights Hero by the Australian Human Rights Commission. He continues to work tirelessly to send STEM resources to Indigenous communities, and show First Nations kids that STEM is for them. His first book is a kids non-fiction book called The First Scientists, illustrated by Blak Douglas.
Today, Corey Tutt is on the blog to share with us his favourite books from First Nations authors. Read on!
Corey Tutt on The First Scientists
“Our people were the First Scientists: the first astronomers, engineers, forensic scientists, land managers, chemists and ecologists. But did you know we are still doing all things STEM? When you purchase The First Scientists you will discover how Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people have used science and continue to use science today. This is a book for any kid who dares to be deadly, brave and follow their passions.”
I chose this list because I get so much joy our of reading our stories of the past and present. It’s important for all Australians, no matter their history, to read perspectives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These books are precious for me and I believe we will be talking about them in 50 years’ time as the books that inspired a generation of kids to learn and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Freedom Day by Thomas Mayor, Rosie Smiler and Samantha Campbell (Illustrator)
In 1966, more than two hundred courageous Aboriginal people walked off the Wave Hill Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, these stockmen and their families were walking together to fight for equal pay and land rights. Exquisitely illustrated and designed, this non-fiction picture book brings a landmark historical event to a new generation.
Australia’s First Naturalists by Penny Olsen and Lynette Russell
Would Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson have ever crossed the Blue Mountains without the help of the local Aboriginal people? The invaluable role of local guides in this event is rarely recognised. Penny Olsen and Lynette Russell have gathered together Aboriginal peoples’ contributions to demonstrate the crucial role they played in early Australian zoology.
My Culture and Me by Gregg Dreise
A heartfelt and stirring story of cherishing and sustaining Indigenous cultures.
Silly Birds by Gregg Dreise
In this quintessential Australian fable, Silly Birds combines richly textured and striking illustrations of Australian animals with the gentle humour of an Aussie truism that it is hard to soar like an eagle when you are, in fact, surrounded by turkeys.
Heroes, Rebels and Innovators by Karen Wyld and Jaelyn Biumaiwai (Illustrator)
Powerful and exciting: here are seven inspiring stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from history. Each colourful spread in this illustrated book tells a compelling story.
Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy (Illustrator)
Welcome to the lands of the Wurundjeri people. The people are part of the land, and the land is a part of them. Aboriginal communities across Australia have boundaries that are defined by mountain ranges and waterways. Traditionally, to cross these boundaries, permission is required. Each community has its own way of greeting, but the practice shares a common name: a Welcome to Country.
Turtle Dreaming by Maningrida Aboriginal Community
Maningrida community is located in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. People from Maningrida community have chosen to share one of their traditional stories, the tale of Turtle Dreaming. Turtle Dreaming is the Middjarn song and dance, which tells of singing, dancing and hunting. This story is traditionally told in the Ndjebbana language and has been translated into English for Sharing Our Stories.
Bush Tukka Guide by Samantha Martin
In this gorgeous and compact book, Samantha Martin – the ‘Bush Tukka Woman’ – shares her knowledge and love of bush tukka as taught to her by her mother and other Aboriginal elders.
The First Scientists
Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia's First Peoples
Have you ever wondered what the stars can tell us? Did you know the seasons can be predicted just by looking at subtle changes in nature? Maybe you have wondered about the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation. Australia's First peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth and their innovation...
Comments
No comments