Isaiah Firebrace Is Dropping a Children's Book On First Nations Culture

Proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, and acclaimed pop-star Isaiah Firebrace is releasing his debut children's book titled, Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples.

The picture book is geared towards children five and above, and hopes to give a better understanding of the deep history of Indigenous culture, using 20 key topics as a guide. Children (and adults) will learn the difference between Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, the meaning of Songlines and the rich diversity of First Peoples’ languages and clans, the importance of Elders and the Indigenous origins of AFL. 

On the creation of the book, Firebrace noted that "When I was growing up, I wasn't taught very much about my beautiful, traditional culture or my ancestors. I've only just started to connect with my heritage and I'm really passionate about making sure all kids get to learn about First Nations history at school.

"I want everyone who reads this book to understand more about First Nations people and the true history of our country. The more we can learn about each other, the more we can understand each other and live together in harmony."

Alongside the important history is an array of bright and contemporary illustrations by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai. 

The picture book was inspired by Firebrace's call to the Australian Government and the Department of Education to implement First Nations history classes in primary and secondary schools across the country. Firebrace originally posted the petition online to change.org, but it quickly grew collecting close to 300,000 signatures, affording him the chance to present his petition to Labour's Shadow Minister for Education, Tanya Plibersek, in November last year. 

In the petitions statement, Firebrace urged the Australian government to make Aboriginal History a compulsory part of the school curriculum. 

“We need more education around Aboriginal history and cultures, and what my people have been through.”

The book has been slated at both a celebration of First Nations culture and an education resource that is crucial in helping children grow up with a better understanding of Indigenous culture. 

Isaiah Firebrace first came into fame when he auditioned for the The Voice in 2016, which he eventually won. Since then, he's released a number 1 single ‘It's Gotta Be You’, which is now certified Platinum in Australia, 2 x Platinum in Sweden, Gold in Norway and Gold in Denmark. He also featured in the 2017 Eurovision song contest with his single ‘Don’t Come Easy’.

His book, Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples, will be released on November 16 but you can pre-order a copy here.