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LOWITJA - The Authorised Biography of Lowitja O'Donoghue
by Stuart Rintoul
Published by Allen and Unwin
ISBN 9781760875602
I am not sure what I expected before I began reading the biography of one of Australia's most prominent Indigenous leaders. Reading the first few pages, I knew this was going to be a significant journey and it didn't disappoint.
Born in the bush in South Australia, to an Aboriginal women and the son of Irish immigrants, with no birth certificate or knowledge of a birth date. she was removed to and grew up at the Colebrook Home for half-caste children. She no longer had the warmth of her mother's love. Her name was changed to Lois and any connections with family and indigenous culture were severed. All with the so-called intention of giving these children more chance in life.
Brought up to become a servant and placed with a nice family in Victor Harbour, and told she would never amount to anything on leaving Colebrook.,
Lowitja O' Donoghue followed her desire to become a trained nurse. Always aware of the way Aboriginals were treated from her own and others experiences, she became involved in ways to improve the situation. After a few years went on to become a powerful advocate for indigenous affairs. She sat opposite the then Prime Minister Paul Keating in the first negotiations between Aboriginal people and the Australian government.
The girl from the bush without an authentic birth certificate, rather one that was created for her, travelled the world giving speeches on First Nations people at International conferences and the United Nations . She did so much more but I don't want to include any spoilers.
The author's style of writing this book is different. It is written as a factual account rather than telling a flowing biographical story, but it's quite easy to read and a page turner.
I was aware of the situation over the years included in Lowitja O'Donoghue's story, but I learned so much more about the appalling treatment suffered by the people taken from their birth families, the historical importance and the consequences for Australia's development.
I am sure I am not alone. This was confirmed by the surprising reaction I received, in a local bookstore, when I mentioned to the owner that I was reading this book who said, "Oh, the Aboriginal". I am sure and I hope that she didn't mean to be so dismissive, but it became quite obvious that every Australian should read this book.
It is so much more than one Aboriginal person's story. As Robert Tickner, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs 1990-1996 has said, she changed the course of Australian history.
This would make an ideal gift.
This is independent review, I am not paid by the publishers, so.If you Liked this review, Buy me a coffee
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