Innovation – First Knowledges

By Ian McNiven & Lynette Russell

First Nation Australians are some of the oldest innovators in the world. Original developments in social and religious activities, trading strategies, technology, and land management are underpinned by philosophies that strengthen the sustainability of the country and continue to be utilized today.

Innovation: Knowledge and Ingenuity reveals novel and creative practices such as body shaping;  cremation; sea hunting with the help of suckerfish, building artificial reefs for oyster farms, repurposing glass from Europeans into spearheads, economic responses to colonization, and a Voice to Parliament.

In the first book to detail the innovations in Australia, Ian J McNiven and Lynette Russell showcase this legacy of First Nations peoples and how they offer resourceful ways of dealing with contemporary challenges that can benefit us all.