Co-presented with Melbourne Writers' Festival

With its descriptions of the sophisticated economic and socio-political livelihoods of many First Nations’ communities, Bruce Pascoe’s 2014 multi-award-winning Dark Emu called for a reconsideration of pre-colonial Aboriginal Australia. Confronting criticism from some who reject its portrayal of Aboriginal agriculturalists, and following the COVID-cancellation of their anticipated Melbourne Writers’ Festival session, Bruce and eminent historian Tom Griffiths (The Art of Time Travel) come together to consider the productive conversation emerging around Australia’s understanding of Aboriginal histories, and discuss the best way to deepen our shared knowledge of our nation’s vital first stories.