Edited by Margherita Zanoletti and published by Mimesis, the presentation of the book will take place on Thursday, May 26, at the Italian Cultural Institute in Sydney.
Published in 1970 and considered a classic of postcolonial literature, My People brings to light the oral and cultural traditions of First Nations communities in what was a defiant act against the racist government policies of the time.
In addition to the original text and Italian translation, La mia gente contains an in-depth introduction, a glossary of terms and a text by Waanyi writer Alexis Wright.
The cover features an artwork dedicated to Oodgeroo, which was created in 2020 by Wathaurong artist Carol McGregor.
The presentation at the Italian Cultural Institute will feature speakers including Marika Duczynski, the new curator of Indigenous heritage at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney and Monica Galassi, a researcher at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education.
Susan Petrilli, a professor of Philosophy and Language Theory from the Aldo Moro University of Bari and Margherita Zanoletti, the translator, will join in via video call.
An open discussion will then be moderated by Alice Loda, a lecturer in International Studies and Languages at the University of Technology, Sydney, and Valentina Gosetti, an associate professor at the University of New England.
“This is such an important chance to champion a First Nations author,” Galassi said.
“There are so many books by non-Indigenous authors about Indigenous people. This is a rare opportunity to share Oodgeroo’s work with international audiences.”
For more information or to buy tickets, visit the website.
