First Things First (Griffith Review, Volume 60)

Inspired by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and featuringoutstanding Indigenous writers, First Things First is anurgent, nuanced and robust call to listen, hear and respond toquestions of constitutional recognition.More than two centuries after European settlers arrived, theneed to find an honourable way to recognise and celebrate theunique history of this country as home to the oldest livingcivilisation is long overdue. A Makaratta Commission is thepreferred way to do this, to make agreements and enabletruth-telling about our history.Are we ready to make peace and devise firmer ground for laws,policies and outcomes that improve Indigenous and non-Indigenouslife in Australia?With this special edition, Griffith Review excavateshistory and re-imagines the future, while not forgetting theurgencies of the present.Published with the support of QUT.Julianne Schultz AM FAHA is the founding editorof Griffith Review, the award-winning literary and publicaffairs quarterly journal.Dr Sandra Phillips teaches editing andpublishing in Creative Industries at Queensland University ofTechnology and her research interests are in IndigenousStorytelling and Publishing. Sandra trained with Magabala Books andUniversity of Queensland Press and previously managed AboriginalStudies Press. Sandra is Wakka Wakka and Gooreng Gooreng.'First Things First is a crucial, staged and forcefulcall to listen, hear and respond to questions of constitutionalrecognition for Indigenous Australians...Here's a compilationthat's diverse, stimulating and consistently finely written.'PS News'An eclectic, thought-provoking and uniformly well-writtencollection.' Australian'This is commentary of a high order. The prose in unfailinglypolished; the knowledge and expertise of the writers impressive.'Sydney Morning Herald'For intelligent, well-written quarterly commentary...GriffithReview remains the gold standard.' Honest History