Papunya School Book of Country and History

Publisher's synopsis

The Papunya School Book of Country and History is a unique and fascinating account of the history of Western Desert communities from an Indigenous perspective.

This multi-award-winning book tells the story of how Anangu from five different language groups came to live together at Papunya. From the time of first contacts with explorers, missionaries and pastoralists, through to the Papunya art movement and the Warumpi Band, this multi–layered text finally leads us to the development of the unique educational environment that is Papunya School. As an example of two way learning, it is a profound metaphor for reconciliation.

Awards

Winner 2002 NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize
Winner 2002 Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing
Winner 2002 CBC Eve Pownall Award

Other Recommended Titles

Are We There Yet?

Bully on the Bus

Do Not Go Around the Edges

I Am Jack

Papunya School

This book is a unique collaboration involving the staff and students of Papunya School, working together with children’s writer Nadia Wheatley and artist Ken Searle. Combining many voices and many hands, it was originally produced as a resource to be used for the Papunya School Curriculum.

‘We want to see the children, after being educated at Papunya School, coming out like honey ants full of honey – nice and healthy honey – not poison inside. We want to see the children learning both ways, and coming out bright orange and yellow together, like honey ants.’ – Linda Kapunani Allen

Nadia Wheatley is one of Australia’s most highly respected writers for children and teenagers. Ken Searle is an artist and illustrator.