Kath Walker in China

Teacher Resource Essay

Publisher's synopsis

OUT OF PRINT

Collection of poems in English with translations into Putonghua (modern standard Chinese) on Chinese and Australian themes; includes Noonucal traditional stories, also translated.

HSC Board of Studies: poems by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (PDF)

Foreword

‘The trip to China in September and October of 1984 was like seeing a great work of art. It opened our eyes. We were all very excited. We were all like human beings who had fallen in love at first sight…’

Read the rest of the foreword by Manning Clark at the Poetry Library website.

Other Recommended Titles

My People: A Kath Walker Collection

Inside My Mother

Mother I’m Rooted

Ruby Moonlight

Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Oodgeroo (meaning ‘paperbark tree’) of the Noonuccal people of Stradbroke Island was known as Kath Walker until she returned to her language name in 1988 as a sign of protest against Australia’s Bicentenary celebrations and as a symbol of pride in an Aboriginal heritage.

From the 1960s Oodgeroo Noonuccal became increasingly involved in civil rights and the Aboriginal activist movements. As a writer, delegate and spokesperson for her people’s cause she travelled in China, Europe, the US and Africa, representing Aboriginal Australia.

In addition to her reputation as a poet of national and international recognition, Oodgeroo Noonuccal is also known as a pioneer in Aboriginal education, having opened her home at Moongalba for educational camps for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.

Full bio from AustLit