Published:1 October 2009
Format:Hardback 160 pp photos
Category:Social Ecology / Social Issues
ISBN:9781876451967
Price:$39.95

My People's Dreaming

An Aboriginal Elder speaks on life, land, spirit and forgiveness

Max Dulumunmun Harrison, Peter McConchie

My People's Dreaming is a rare, personal insight into traditional Yuin teachings, and is drawn from extensive interviews with Uncle Max. Through stunning photos and words, Uncle Max reveals the significance of the Creation Dreaming (the story of his people's creation), bush lore, foods, ways of healing, laws, punishment and spirituality. He also details the subtleties and connectedness of his people's relationship to the land, as well as outlining his philosophy of forgiveness. In passing on his traditional knowledge Uncle Max focuses on three truths:  

See the land ... the beauty;  
Hear the land ... the story;  
Feel the land ... the spirit.  

'The teachings I reveal in this book are the living treasures of my life,' Max Dulumunmun Harrison. 

'Max Dulumunmun Harrison's book is a powerful and beautiful explanation of the strength of an Aboriginal way of life and the beliefs inherited by men like him. If his wisdom and guidance were followed, young Aboriginal people would find their path through life, if not easier, then at least happier. The purpose of these teachings is revealed at the end of the book, and it is moving and shocking to come to realise, as Max would want, that his wisdom is hard won from life. The exquisite photography of Yuin country by Peter McConchie brings Max’s word pictures to life with images of places that are truly inspiring,' Professor Marcia Langton, Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies, University of Melbourne, and co-author of First Australians.

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Max Dulumunmun Harrison

Max Dulumunmun Harrison, an initiated Yuin man, grew up on the South Coast of NSW as part of a close community where some boys and young men were still selected for initiation into ancient ways. As an adult, seeing the widespread marginalisation of his people and lack of acceptance of traditional teachings, he began what has become his life's work - providing a way for others to understand Aborigial culture.

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Peter McConchie

Peter McConchie began his photographic career studying in Milan in the early 1990s. Over the next decade he successfully freelanced as a portrait photographer in London and New York. Now based in Australia (Melbourne), he is dedicated to caring for the environment and recording the Elders. Peter is also a founding board member of the Melbourne-based organisation People Culture Environment. His photographs can be seen throughout My People's Dreaming.

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