This NAIDOC Week, Fully Lit revisits some of the standout conversations in our back catalogue with First Nations writers, critics and publishers.
As a podcast about Australian literature, we believe First Nations storytelling sits at the heart of what is most vital, challenging and exciting about writing on this continent. Stories have been told here for tens of thousands of years, and First Nations writers continue to reshape how we read, write and think about literature.
This special NAIDOC Week message is a reminder of just a few of the First Nations writers, critics and publishing leaders featured across the Fully Lit catalogue. We encourage you to revisit the original episodes to hear these ideas explored in depth, from cultural rigour and criticism, to genre and representation, and sovereignty in publishing.
Together, these conversations challenge accepted narratives, expand our understanding of Australian literature, and remind us of the power of stories to shape the national conversation.
Voices
Graham Akhurst is a Kokomini writer and the author of Borderland (UWAP).
Melanie Saward is a Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman, author, academic, and publishing all-rounder
Anita Heiss is an internationally published, award-winning author of 25 books across genres.
Credits
This episode of Fully Lit was made on Gadigal land in Sydney.
Fully Lit is brought to you by Impact Studios at UTS, the Sydney Review of Books, and the UTS Writing and Publishing Program, and is produced by Regina Botros.
Executive Producers: Sarah Gilbert and James Jiang.
Produced by Regina Botros.
Further Listening
Episode 3: Cultural Rigour – First Nations Writing and Its Critics
A conversation with Jeanine Leane and Graham Akhurst on First Nations literary criticism, reading practices and cultural authority.
Episode 4: Cognitive Imperialism – Losing the Colonial Baggage
Melanie Saward discusses genre fiction, representation and the freedom to tell stories beyond colonial expectations.
Episode 7: Sovereign Stories – First Nations Publishing
Anita Heiss explores sovereignty in publishing and the need for First Nations-led editing, publishing and storytelling.
For more conversations with First Nations writers, critics and thinkers, explore the Fully Lit back catalogue.
