Always was, always will be by Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson

Always Was, Always Will Be is a book that shares the powerful story of both the injustice for First Nations People that began from the time of the arrival of the first European settlers in the 1800s and the subsequent battle for respect and a voice in Australia today. This is their story. A story of what happened in the past, what is still happening in the present and what may happen in the future. White settlers used power and force to dominate the traditional owners of the land and coerced them to adapt to the ways of the Europeans. This began the long process of truth, equality and the legitimate fight for justice that First Nations People continue to strive for today.

Beginning with a foreword where the authors stress that great care was taken to source material written by First Nations People, but also mention that it is still a work in progress as history is complex with many layers to it. The contents page follows and the chapters are set out in chronological order beginning with European Arrival and ending with the Voice Referendum and Conclusion. In the final pages is the Glossary, as well as Picture Credits, References and information about the authors.

Throughout the book are mentions of historical figures such as William Barak, a Wurundjeri leader, who wrote letters asking for better treatment of First Nations People. He actively protested about how his people were treated and desperately tried to find better solutions. Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo fought to have his home island of Mer (Murray Island) to be taken out of the hands of the Australian Government and given back to the people who had lived there for thousands of years. This court battle took over ten years to be resolved in favour of Eddie Mabo and the people of Mer. Then there is the story of AFL footballer Michael Long and the Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness of the appalling conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Accompanying the highly accessible text and evenly spread all through the book are many photographs from the period of time being discussed and these add to the engagement for the reader.

Always Was, Always Will Be has a place in all libraries. It is an honest and important resource to be shared and discussed, not only for upper primary and secondary students but also older Australian non-First Nation adults who grew up with a completely different version of Australian History.

Teacher notes linked to the Australian curriculum will be available soon on the Magabala website.

Themes: Australia, First Nations People, Justice, Activism, Campaigns, Colonial History.

Kathryn Beilby