NT Novel Celebrated at Prime Minister's Literary Awards

A significant moment for Australian literature unfolded in Canberra as Leonie Norrington, alongside her co-authors, received the prestigious $80,000 fiction prize at the Prime Minister's Literary Awards for their groundbreaking novel, A Piece of Red Cloth.

The book, which draws from the rich oral traditions of the Yolŋu people of north-east Arnhem Land, narrates a poignant tale of a grandmother's determination to safeguard her granddaughter from Macassan trepang fishermen during the 1600s. This story not only highlights the historical interactions between Yolŋu and foreign traders but also underscores the ongoing cultural practices that continue to thrive today.

A Landmark Achievement

The judges praised A Piece of Red Cloth as a "landmark achievement in fiction," emphasizing its role as a vital example of intercultural collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal writers. Dr. Norrington, who was inspired by her late Aboriginal mother, Clare Bush, expressed her hope that the book would facilitate a deeper understanding of Yolŋu history and connection to the land, stating, "If we only have what she called 'Captain Cook history,' then we’re always going to have a frontier mentality about our country."

Continuing Cultural Traditions

Local custodian Merrikiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, who also attended the award ceremony, emphasized the relevance of the book's themes in contemporary life. She noted, "All I can say is that we still live like this, like what's happening in the book today," highlighting how traditional practices persist in modern Yolŋu communities.

In addition to Norrington's achievement, the awards also recognized other Northern Territory talent, with Kate Wild's The Red House winning in the non-fiction category. This book addresses the tragic events surrounding the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker and the subsequent trial of police officer Zachary Rolfe.

Source: www.abc.net.au