Overview

What's it like to live as a young First Nations Australian in the 21st century? Present Tense People is a collection of stories by five young First Nations Australians. Koort, an employee of a mining magnate, Birrala, a nurse, Indiya, an education student, Thuwarri, an archaeology student and Warranany, a recent school graduate all share a common bond of First Nations ancestry, a deep connection to country and hope for a better future. However, their lives are also linked by ancestral and intergenerational grief, stereotypes and racism. Inspirational, real and honest, these stories set in five different regions of Australia, have the power to challenge and possibly change your ideas about Australia's history and what it means to be a First Nations warrior living in the present tense.

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9780645459814

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Lynn Webber has compiled an utterly compelling book. The stories are 'truth-telling'. And these stories carry soaring and ancient transcendence from the oldest continuing culture on earth, combined with the rawness of present tense living. Masterful stories. Tim Costello, Author and Director of Ethical Voice, Executive Director of Micah Australia, Chair of the Community Council of Australia, Sydney Here are five raw and honest stories about young First Australians told in autobiographical form and brought to light by the deft touch of story-weaver Lynn Webber. Each story teaches about the legacy of ancestors, learning, language, identity, family, and culture told through compelling and proud narratives. However, the rhythms of nature, seasons, and being owned by the land run abruptly into dysfunction, disruption and intergenerational trauma. This isn't a homogenous voice for young black culture, because there is no such thing. These voices represent strength and survival. It was an honour to read. Thank you. Cameron Paterson, Director of Learning Wesley College, Melbourne Best book on Indigenous Stories I've ever read. This is an incredible insight into young Indigenous Australians living in modern Australia with tens of thousands of years of history and hundreds of years of intergenerational trauma. What incredible insights. Every Australian should read 'Present Tense People'. Mark Humphrey, Educator, Sydney Lynn Webber deserves the highest praise for her work in compiling this unique book. This is truth-telling at its best. The stories speak from the heart about Australia today while calling up the transcendence of the oldest continuing culture on earth ... Every Australian should read this book. You will be a better human for the experience. Paige Turner, Book Review The Tawny Frogmouth Dec 22

Author Information

A descendant of Irish immigrants, Lynn was born in Tarntanya in Kaurna country (Adelaide, South Australia). She began her career as a secondary history teacher but after stumbling across a 'truth telling' resource one day in her school library, she painfully realised that after sixteen years of education she knew nothing about First Nations history. This realisation sent her back to university for further study and to work as a university lecturer in the First Nations Yunggorendi (Flinders University) and Uniapon units (University of South Australia). With this groundwork behind her, a family move to Boorloo in Whadjuk Nyoongar boodjar (Perth, Western Australia) led her into education support roles for First Nations secondary and university students. During this time she also worked as a casual teacher in a juvenile detention centre and Education Lecturer at Notre Dame University.Lynn completed this project during COVID lockdowns while living in Warrane in Cammeraygal country (Sydney, New South Wales). She has recently returned to Boorloo, Whadjuk Boodjar (Perth) where she is currently working with an education team to develop culturally responsive curriculum resources from the AIATSIS collection at the Ngurra Cultural Precinct in Canberra.

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