About this Book

"Uncommon Ground" is a unique exploration of the complex roles played by white women in Australian Indigenous histories. It showcases some of the latest and most interesting work in Australia on gender and cross-cultural history. Within a particular historical context, each chapter highlights the work of a woman involved in Aboriginal issues, and with Aboriginal people. Well-known as well as less prominent public figures, are included. There's a mixture of activists, writers, and workers in missionary groups and administration as well as Pearl Gibbs, the leading Aboriginal woman activist who worked closely with contemporary white feminists. Four thematic parts include: 'The Home Front' which highlights the prominence of the 'home' as institution as well as a refuge in such cross-cultural relationships; 'Shared Struggle' which explores collaborative relationships; 'Public Lives' which addresses white women who took on public roles with regard to Aboriginal issues; and 'Knowing the Aborigines' which covers the ambiguous roles played by white women who claimed the knowledge to represent Aboriginal people and issues, and who have had various impacts upon Aboriginal histories as a result. These lively and critical biographical studies trace the motivations, actions and impact of these women. The Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors, both women and men, engage with some difficult yet fascinating questions of race, gender and identity in Aboriginal history.