Today, Wednesday 4 September, is Indigenous Literacy Day, which the Indigenous Literary Foundation (ILF) describes as "a national celebration of Indigenous culture, stories, language and literacy". The day is intended to both promote awareness of disadvantage in indigenous communities, and to "encourage the rest of Australia to raise funds and advocate for more equal access to … Continue reading Indigenous Literacy Day 2019
Literacy
Monday musings on Australian literature: The challenge of literacy
Today's topic may be a bit serious for Christmas week, but I've decided to go with it anyhow. I was inspired to write it by an article in the online journal, The Conversation. The article, by Deakin University academic Lyn McCredden, was itself inspired by the Prime Minister's Literary Awards at which one of the winners, Richard Flanagan, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: The challenge of literacy
Monday musings on Australian literature: Indigenous Australian literacy
I feel a little uncomfortable being a white person writing on indigenous issues. It's difficult in situations of such immense power imbalance as currently exists between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians not to come across as patronising or a self-congratulatory do-gooder. However, I'm also aware that consciousness needs to be raised and good programs promoted, so … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Indigenous Australian literacy
Whispering Gums 