The diversity of Aboriginal experiences in Australia is limitless and, sadly, so is the range of stereotypes that continue to plague our existence and limit understanding and empathy. A new anthology project announced by Black Inc. and to be headed up by Dr Anita Heiss is hoping to combat some of these stereotypes and help improve representation of Indigenous people in literature by sharing personal stories from a diverse range of writers.
The anthology, titled 'Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia', is expected to be released in 2018 but calls are open now for 'autobiographical accounts of growing up as an Aboriginal person in Australia to make submissions and have the opportunity to be included in the project'.
NITV spoke to Dr Heiss, who told us, "We need more Aboriginal voices to be heard generally in literature and the
media and I consider this anthology of personal experiences an important contribution to that process. Australians need to recognise the diverse lives of First Nations Peoples - and this book will be a wonderful resource for schools and teachers to grow that understanding while inspiring students to read and learn more."
Dr Heiss, a well established and highly regarded author and editor in her own right, having published both fiction and non-fiction, poetry, and biographical titles, says she is looking forward to being able to collaborate with established and emerging Aboriginal writers.
"We're hoping to include a range of both established and emerging writers as well as some high profile people who have extraordinary stories to share. My personal goal as well, as always is to encourage young Aboriginal
people to read, and to be inspired to read more once engaging with stories that speak to them."
