Gurawul the Whale: An ancient story for our time
WINNER, 2023 WHITLEY BOOK AWARDS, CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE AND ZOOLOGY
Illustrated by Laura la Rosa
More than 70 years ago, the ancient legend of Gurawul the whale was passed down to Yuin Elder Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison by his grandfather and uncles. He promised them that one day he would travel to the southern land, Tasmania, and search for the whale dreaming of their Ancestors.
This exquisitely illustrated book tells the story of Uncle Max’s journey to fulfil that promise, and how he eventually came face to face with Gurawul.
Filled with important cultural knowledge and personal stories, Uncle Max sadly died before Gurawul could be published, and his family are continuing his legacy to show how science is finally beginning to catch up with these ‘old blackfella’ stories.
Praise for Gurawul the Whale: An ancient story for our time
“An absorbing dive into the history, science and dreaming of whale migration...a multilayered and richly rewarding read.”
– Jo Vabolis, Glam Adelaide
“This deeply engaging story is one which is important to be shared with others. A truly special book that has a place in a school or public library.”
– Kathryn Beilby, ReadPlus
Max Dulumunmun Harrison was a deeply respected and revered Elder of the Yuin Nation, which extends from Wollongong down the east coast of Australia to Gippsland and out to the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Initiated by his grandfather and uncles into the traditional ways when he was a teenager, his great gift was his ability to straddle two cultures, to communicate and share his wisdom and knowledge with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.
Born in 1936, he grew up moving with his family from camp to camp to escape the dreaded Welfare. He had little formal education and taught himself to read and write. From the age of 10, his grandfather and uncles took him walking with them on Country, teaching him how to learn from the land. From these masters he learnt respect and sacredness and connection to the greatest teacher of all, nature.
Over the course of his life, he worked in various occupations, including Aboriginal health services, where he worked tirelessly with those affected by alcohol and other health issues. In recent years his charity Back to Country has helped many young men to discover their culture and identity.
His life’s purpose has been to pass on the teachings of his Elders, which he referred to as the ‘living treasures’ of his life, saying that he had to ‘give it away to keep it’. Over the years he has taught students in schools and universities and advised government ministers as well as Australia’s leading architects. His first book, My People’s Dreaming, was published in 2009. In December 2021 he passed into the Dreaming, leaving behind a huge legacy.
Hard cover
96 pages
