Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's children's book, "Billy and the Epic Escape," is being pulled from shelves after criticism from an Australian education group for its portrayal of Indigenous Australians. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation condemned the book for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and trivializing historical trauma. Oliver apologized for the offense caused, and Penguin Random House UK is withdrawing the book, acknowledging a failure in editorial oversight.
Jamie Oliver's children's book "Billy And The Epic Escape" has been withdrawn from sale following criticism from Indigenous Australians for perpetuating stereotypes and failing to consult with Indigenous communities. Oliver apologized for the offense caused, and the publisher, Penguin Random House, acknowledged the oversight in their publishing standards.
Jamie Oliver has withdrawn his children's book 'Billy and the Epic Escape' after criticism for stereotyping Indigenous Australians. The book, featuring an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers, was deemed offensive by First Nations leaders for its language errors and portrayal of Indigenous cultures. Oliver apologized, stating it was not his intention to misinterpret the issue. Penguin Random House UK acknowledged an editorial oversight in not consulting Indigenous Australians, leading to the book's global withdrawal.
British TV chef Jamie Oliver has apologized after his children's book, "Billy and the Epic Escape," was criticized for perpetuating damaging stereotypes about First Nations Australians. The book features a subplot involving a young Indigenous girl in foster care, which has been deemed disrespectful by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation. They have called for the book's withdrawal, but neither Oliver nor his publishers have committed to this action yet.
Genomic data from Indigenous Australians reveals high genetic variation and population structure, reflecting linguistic diversity. This research emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural perspectives and involving Indigenous communities in genomic research to promote genetic equity, particularly in areas such as healthcare.
A study analyzing the genetic data of Indigenous Australians from four different regions across northern and central Australia has revealed deep population structure and rich novel genetic variation. The research highlights the need for greater representation of Indigenous populations in genomic studies and reference databases. Indigenous Australians exhibit unique genetic ancestry, with high levels of population-private variation and reduced heterozygosity. The study also emphasizes the importance of broad sampling to capture the full diversity of common and rare alleles in Indigenous populations. The findings have implications for medical research and clinical practice, as well as the understanding of human genetic variation.
Genetic analysis suggests that a population of orcas that hunted alongside Indigenous Australian and European whalers for centuries is likely extinct. The orcas, known as "killers of Eden," had a mutually beneficial relationship with the whalers, where they would lead them to whales and help secure the kill. The DNA of a male orca named Old Tom, who played an active role in the hunts, showed significant genetic differences from living orcas, indicating the extinction of this unique population. The relationship between Indigenous Australians and the orcas is believed to have existed for thousands of years, but the exact origins remain unknown.
Indigenous leaders in Australia are calling for a week of silence following the failure of a referendum to recognize Indigenous people in the constitution. The measure, which aimed to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, was rejected by every state and mainland territory except the Australian Capital Territory. Despite opposition from over 60 percent of voters, the proposal was more popular among Indigenous Australians. Supporters of the referendum expressed their disappointment by flying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags at half-staff. Indigenous leaders criticized the rejection, stating that it is unreasonable for those who have been in Australia for only 235 years to refuse recognition to those who have called the land home for over 60,000 years. The government has pledged to explore alternative ways of improving the lives of Indigenous people.
Australian Indigenous leaders have called for a week of silence and reflection after a referendum to recognize First Peoples in the constitution was overwhelmingly rejected, with over 60% of Australians voting "No". The proposed constitutional change aimed to establish an Indigenous advisory body, the "Voice to Parliament", but failed to secure a national majority and majorities in at least four states. Indigenous leaders expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that the rejection undermines reconciliation efforts and damages Australia's image regarding its treatment of First Nations people. The outcome highlights the need for continued advocacy and education on Indigenous rights.
Cherbourg, an Australian community built on racial segregation, is grappling with the upcoming referendum on whether to recognize First Nations people in the constitution and create a Voice to Parliament. The community, which was once a government reserve for forcibly relocated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, has made progress in recent years but still faces disparities in areas such as infant mortality, employment, suicide, and incarceration. The referendum is on track to fail, with polls showing a divide among Australians. Supporters argue for constitutional recognition and a permanent body to address Indigenous issues, while opponents believe it embeds division and want more accountability in Indigenous programs.
Archaeologists from Flinders University in Adelaide have identified two Indonesian Moluccan warships depicted in indigenous rock art found in a small cave in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territories of Australia. The ships bear a striking resemblance to vessels known to have been built by people living on the Maluku Islands of eastern Indonesia nearly 300 years ago. The discovery confirms that contacts between Southeast Asian islanders and Northern Australian indigenous people in past centuries were more extensive than previously known. The Moluccan ships were outfitted for warfare, suggesting that some type of invasion may have occurred.
Australian news host Stan Grant has announced he is "stepping away for a while" and removing himself from the spotlight after receiving "grotesque racist abuse" following a broadcast where he spoke about the role and consequences of colonialism on Indigenous Australians. Grant slammed his bosses for offering no public support and the Australian media for bias. He received a standing ovation from the audience after mentioning the "poison" of the media and stated that he felt he was "part of the problem" and needed to ask himself how, or if, the media can do better.
Australia's main opposition party, the Liberal Party, has announced it will campaign against a proposal to constitutionally recognise the country's Aboriginal and Torres Island people, including a "Voice to Parliament" committee. The move has been criticised by senior Indigenous leaders, who have called it a "Judas betrayal". The referendum, which aims to give constitutional recognition to Australia's Indigenous people, is set to take place later this year. However, no referendum has succeeded in Australia without bipartisan support, and the Liberal Party's decision has dashed hopes of such support.
