The joyful ceremony depicted in this book is a celebration of the change of season, an ancient cultural practice of the Adnyamathanha people and many other Aboriginal clan groups around Australia.
Co-author Ellie Laing says that Ceremony is not only essential for children’s exposure to First Nations culture it is also very informative for adults.
“My generation as a non-Indigenous Australian, we were jus not exposed, we didn’t have the education as young people about Aboriginal history; about our country’s truth,” Ellie Laing said.
The language of Adam Goodes’ people, the Adnyamathanha people – commonly known as Yura Ngarwala is embedded in the book.
Ellie Laing stressed that the rich combination of English and Adnyamathanha languages in Ceremony was something that evolved throughout the writing and research process.
Ceremony: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, illustrated by David Hardy Source: NITV Radio
“It was fortunate to incorporate Adam Goodes ‘language and expose kids to it. I think it is fantastic,” Ms Laing said.
David Hart, illustrator of the series explained that a lot of work and research went into to the project to ensure accuracy.
“Even though it is a different country (Adam Goodes’ country) from where I am from; am a Barkindji man, it was tricky getting the scenery correct."
"There was a lot of back and forth between Adam, myself and Ellie, and the rest of the team. Even the facing paintings, the markings, there was a lot of research into it,” David Hardy said.
The creators hope this book will be a prompt for readers to take a deeper interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and to explore the many other books, documentaries and films that are available – especially the work of other First Nations creators.
