Tulo Gordon, Milbi, Aboriginal Stories from Queensland’s Endeavour River, Aboriginal Studies Press, August 2021, 52 pp., RRP $24.95 (hbk), ISBN 9781922102904
Milbi: a story or legend; a piece of news or tidbit (Guugu Yimithirr language)
Tulo Gordon was a Nugal elder of the Guugu Yimithirr language people of far North Queensland. His original acrylic paintings accompany this reimagining of the original, now out of print book.
The stories contained in Milbi form this collection of origin, or creation stories, specific to the people of this region of Queensland, located around the Endeavour River. What is special about this collection, is that they were originally told by Tulo from his own recollections of stories from aunties, his mother, and his older brother. They are oral stories which have been preserved thanks to the continued legacy of living relatives who have revived Tulo’s art and storytelling to gift new generations present and emerging.
The book contains an appendix section with Guugu Yimithirr spelling and pronunciation to assist with the reading and telling of these stories, as well as the histories of the Milbi story collection.
Suitable for readers and students 8 years and older, this can be read as individual stories over several lessons and sessions. Significant historical contexts are included for possible linking with HASS subjects, including the fact that the ‘bama’ of the Endeavour River originally encountered members of Cook’s 1770 expedition to Australia. This really drives home the significance of ensuring the stories of this land are preserved and retold, as younger Australians become more conscious of the importance of reconciliation, of our history and identity.
A beautiful collection worth preserving and sharing.
Reviewed by Belinda Raposo
