1st Edition

A Mosaic of Indigenous Legal Thought Legendary Tales and Other Writings

By C.F. Black Copyright 2017
    180 Pages
    by Routledge

    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book offers an Indigenous supplement to the rich and growing area of visual legal scholarship. Organized around three narratives, each with an associated politico-poetic reading, the book addresses three major global issues: climate change, the trade in human body parts and bio-policing. Manifesting and engaging the traditional storytelling mode of classical Indigenous ontology, these narratives convey legal and political knowledge, not merely through logical argument, but rather through the feelings of law and the understanding of lawful behaviour produced by their rhythm. Through its own performativity, therefore, the book demonstrates how classical Indigenous legal traditions remain vital to the now pressing challenge of making peace with the earth.

    PART I
    A poem: The originals
    Video clip
    Visualizing Indigenous jurisprudence through a diverse range of narratives
    The influential theories
    Retribalizing the tales
    PART II
    A poem: Becoming history
    Some words
    The Wind Watchers’ tale: Skinned alive
    A poem: So very different from us
    Native women and healing the neglected rights of the land
    PART III
    Some words: The story of Wibari
    The Wind Watchers’ Tale: Wibari and the Rogue Protectors
    A poem: In search of immortality
    Modern cannibalism: The trade in human body parts
    A poem: An ode to the children of Guatemala
    PART IV
    Some words
    The Wind Watchers’ Tale: Bringers of the Red Dust
    A poem: In search of immortality (an ode to the scientist)
    The insidious disease of securitization biosecurity: Bats and badgers at large!
    LAST WORDS
    A poem: To the little people
    In conclusion: Some reflective thoughts

    Biography

    Dr C.F. Black, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Griffith Center for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Australia.