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A young researcher from The University of Western Australia is building up a collection of Indigenous artists for inclusion in Black Words : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writers and Storytellers and is keen to hear from poets, authors, playwrights and yarners from around the State so he can help promote their work.

Jake Milroy has an academic background at UWA in History and Political Science and International Relations - and a personal background bubbling with literature and theatre. His immediate family include his father, playwright David Milroy and his aunt, author and artist Sally Morgan, who penned My Place.

Black Words is a research community supported by AustLit: The Australian Literature Resource ( https://www.austlit.edu.au/ ). The site boasts 300 WA Aboriginal writers and their works, and many others from around the nation.

According to the site, Indigenous storytellers are often keepers of ancient and contemporary stories who weave their stories in eloquent ways. When the storytellers speak, their words tie Indigenous peoples to their land and to their mob.

Storytelling continues to play an important role in maintaining and passing on knowledge, values and historical information. As a form of cultural transmission, it remains an important tool for educating young community members about their roles and responsibilities. Black Words creates records for recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers whether or not they have published works.

As well as biographical records for writers and storytellers, the site has details of published and unpublished writing; information about publishers, theatre groups and awards and links to related sites and to works published online. There is also an historical calendar of events linking writing by Indigenous authors who have documented significant moments to Indigenous Australia.

Jake will attend Geraldton's Big Sky (September 11 - 13) and Albany's Sprung (September 17 - 20) Festivals with Black Words coordinator, Dr Anita Heiss: https://www.sprung.albany.wa.gov.au/ and https://www.library.cgg.wa.gov.au/content/view/170/

Media references

Jake Milroy (+61 8) 6488 2272
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 5563 /(+61 4) 326 377