Story of how the skull of an Aboriginal man, found on the banks of the Murray River over 40 years ago, came to be returned to his Wamba Wamba descendants. It is a story of awakening, atonement, forgiveness and friendship. 'It is as if a whole window into Indigenous culture has blown open, not just the window, but every door in the house,' says John Denalis. Part history, part detective story, part cultural discovery and emotional journey, this is a book for young and old, showing the transformative and healing power of true reconciliation. So as a boy, John Denalis never thought to ask why an Aboriginal skull sat on the mantelpiece at home. The skull was just Mary and had always been there. Years later, he did ask why. He asked those skull …show more content…
Riding the Black Cockatoo is about reconciliation and restoring the past of the Indigenous Australians pride and culture. The sparkling book is written from John Denalis own personal reflection, which later on in the book giving back an Aboriginal skull. John Denalis grew up with the skull on the mantelpiece at home, which was called Mary. John became aware the importance of the Indigenous culture when he was currently at University. John Denalis realised part of reconciliation that he needed to return the skull back to the rightful owner. Riding a Black Cockatoo also becomes a journey for the Indigenous people especially the Wamba Wamba of the Murray River. And to bond back with their own cultural pride and discover their own heritage. Denalis discusses his own attitudes and which becomes important for the nation to come to terms with and heal the past actions that had happened. Riding the Black Cockatoo leaves us, as the readers with a strong sense of hope in the future of race relations in Australia and that there can be reconciliation between all Australians. The Black Cockatoo is the totem animal of the Wamba Wamba people. This story is way more than just a journey as it brings together two cultures and their …show more content…
As long you a true fella. Is also about all the people, of different races and with different lives, in different places. It doesn’t matter which your religion is. It’s all the same when the ship is sinking. It’s also about helping each other like what Neil Murray and George Rrurrambu had sung in the last few lines saying “Are you the one that’s always ready with a helping hand”. Neil Murray and George Rrurrambu message is to put an end towards racism or like despicable stereotypes of black and white people taking up war with each other, and are you going to be a silent bystander or come ready with a helping hand when you something wrong or does not belong in our race and that specific individual does not deserve to be treated like a stranger but like a friend as we all have to get through this together and the only way we can only move on is with a positive surroundings to move on forward and create peace and