Tradition and Emancipation

Based on research carried out at Fitzroy Crossing, emergence of nativism, Australian nativism in politics; Fitzroy Crossing - background, notes on population, pastoral employment and discontent with conditions; quest for emancipation and independence in relation to economic opportunity, awareness of social and economic subordination; land rights traditional significance of land, conflicting approaches to issue on part of young and old Aborigines; tendency of Aborigines to favour segregation; resurrection of traditional law amongst acculturated Aborigines; theme of economic and political advancement with traditional culture as pivot - traditionally oriented Desert elders (reformers) disturbed by younger town Aborigines deviations from traditional law yet increasingly aware of inequalities; reformers scheme for economic and social advancement; the new style religion; detailed discussion of particular local Aboriginal factions and politics; Bunaba, Kadjina (made up of Njigina and Wolmadjeri people), the Fig Tree Mob and the Julbaridja; political leadership, support and range of followers, programmes of emancipation, relationships between the groups; conflict betweem those who adhere to traditional law and those who do not; Appendix; Definition and explanation of term nativism.