Dark Emu is a phenomenon that challenges conventional Australian history, asserting that First Nations people were not just hunters and gatherers but also farmers engaged in complex economic systems. Based on British explorers’ journals, author Bruce Pascoe claims that Indigenous Australians settled in villages, built houses, practised aquaculture, astronomy, and were even the world’s first bakers. Pascoe’s controversial claims have sparked fierce debate, with critics – academics and conservative commentators – questioning his interpretations and Aboriginal heritage. This backlash has led to a highly publicised debate over the Aboriginality and identity of Pascoe himself.
The Dark Emu Story is a feature-length documentary that delves into the controversy, enlightens our understanding of Australian history, and provides a platform for First Nations peoples to share their remarkable story.
