AustLit and Black Words

This poster will showcase AustLit, Black Words and other research communities.

AustLit: The Australian Literature Resource is a non-profit collaboration between twelve Australian Universities and the National Library of Australia providing authoritative information on hundreds of thousands of creative and critical Australian literature works relating to more than 100,000 Australian authors and literary organisations. Its coverage spans 1780 to the present day.

Forming part of AustLit, Black Words: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writers and Story Tellers is an information-rich web site, a searchable database and a forum for the communication of information about the lives and work of Australian Indigenous writers and storytellers. Indigenous story tellers are often keepers of ancient and contemporary stories, who weave their craft in magical and eloquent ways. When the story teller speaks, their words inextricably tie Indigenous peoples to their land and to their mob. Story telling continues to play an important role in maintaining and passing on knowledge, values and historical information in Indigenous communities. As a form of cultural transmission, it remains an important tool for educating young community members about their roles and responsibilities.