News Archive

A book telling the history of the Noongar people and their survival has won the 2010 Margaret Medcalf Award.

"It's Still in My Heart, This is My Country": The Single Noongar Claim History , written by South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, John Host with Chris Owen, was presented with the award for excellence in utilising the State Archives collection.

The Single Noongar Claim History explores the native title claim over metropolitan Perth and the South-West of the State and evidence in the native title case known as the Single Noongar Claim.

The book presents substantial evidence detailing the history, customs and laws of the Noongar people, their relationship to their land, their rights and interests, and their survival against great odds - from colonization to the present day.

"Several years were spent reviewing thousands of records for this book and it is wonderful to see that the researches have been recognised with this award," UWA Publishing Director Terri-ann White said.

Western Australian Minister for Culture and the Arts John Day presented the award, acknowledging the contribution the book makes to the history of native title in WA.

"This book brings together evidence that was gathered as part of the Single Noongar Claim Federal Court trial to provide a comprehensive account of Noongar people and their history", Mr Day said.

Another UWAP author, Penelope Hetherington, received a Special Commendation from the Magaret Medcalf Awards for her book Paupers, Poor Relief and Poor Houses in Western Australia, 1829-1910.

Media references

Sylvia Defendi (UWA Publishing) 61 8 6488 6804 / 0417 967 415
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) 61 8 6488 5563 / 0432 637 716