Something About Emus

The emu is an iconic Australian bird of significance to all Australians, but especially so to Indigenous Australians who have had a special relationship with this curious animal for thousands of years. In this bilingual, highly illustrated, full-colour publication, Something about emus reveals valuable ecological knowledge in a collection of essays by senior members of the Bininj Kunwok language group from Kakadu National Park and Western Arnhem Land.

Something about emus goes beyond biology and ecology to encompass other culturally important domains such as the visual and verbal arts, music, ritual and the relationships between humans and animals. Whilst Indigenous ecological knowledge is increasingly acknowledged as a valuable part of Australia's cultural heritage, such knowledge is most richly expressed in Australia's Indigenous languages which have largely remained inaccessible to those outside their communities.

About the Author

Murray Garde is a Research Fellow in the School of Culture, History and Language at the Australian National University. He has lived and worked for many years in western Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park working with speakers of the Bininj Kunwok language in a variety of areas including land management, traditional music, environmental knowledge and language maintenance programs.