The Bauhinia Tree by Kankawa Nagarra Olive Knight as Told to Terri-Ann White

Book Description

Secondhand. Good condition. Wear to book edges and corners. Ex library copy with no external stickers. Date due slip on inside page. Sunning of foredges. Minor discolouration on back cover.

With deep roots in the Kimberley region, Olive Knight shares her story of growing up with the Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri peoples of north-western Australia.

As the daughter of a half-caste father, she was nearly killed on the day of her birth, as was customary for half-blood children in her community. Thankfully she was spared by an elder and would follow her own path, full of hardship as she moved from mission to mission.

She eventually found love and fulfilment, following her late husband Jim’s passion for Indigenous rights, becoming a respected translator and community leader.

After Jim’s death, Olive’s singing and songwriting opened unexpected worlds of opportunity. From early days in mission gospel choirs to finding her true voice in the country-western, blues and rock n’ roll music of the day, Olive’s talent as a singer eventually led to collaborations with other artists and performers, many of whom sought her unique voice and ability to translate songs into her traditional language.

In 2011, Olive was invited to sing as part of Hugh Jackman’s Back on Broadway production. (back cover)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers, please note that this book may contain descriptions and/or images of people who have passed away.