Reviews of Doreen Kartinyeri: My Ngarrindjeri Calling

Catherine Murphy, Mouth to Page, Bulletin of the International Oral History Association, Vol. 17, 1 January 2009
This book is a rich and rewarding read, which is sometimes startling in the honesty Doreen brings to recollections of her interactions with colleagues, family and friends and those she fought, or the people she felt had betrayed her. At times there’s more details about important events (such as the Kumarangk bridge business), than I was able to absorb or make sense of, because of Doreen’s intensely personal, insider perspective. At the same time it’s worth acknowledging this detailed information will be a treasure trove for future research.

It’s the compelling story of an Aboriginal woman who is determined to put her experiences on the record and to remain true to her life’s vocation of foregrounding the perspectives, knowledge and ancient wisdom of Aboriginal people and challenging the dominance of white Australian history.