This collection of histories, in both written and illustrative form, from the women and men of Ernabella, in northern South Australia, tells the story of the interaction between white and black women that led to the establishment and development of a significant school of Australian art, Ernabella Arts Inc, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998. From 'first missionary coming', through the terror of the nearby atomic bomb tests in the 1950s, to the commercial and artistic successes of the 1990s, the stories speak of great losses and regrets, but also of remarkable achievements, and of the skill and strength of the individuals whose voices we hear. At Ernabella Arts, all the artistic output is produced by women and this, one of the oldest centres of contemporary Aboriginal art in the country, is best known for its distinctive design and its use of new and innovative media, such as those used in textile art. The beautiful batiks produced at Ernabella have been exhibited around the world and the artists are sought after as teachers all over Australia, and internationally. These artists, when asked to explain their designs by those who are unaware of their non-representational nature, say 'don't ask for stories'. We are lucky, however, that they have chosen to record their stories in other ways, and in the process have given their readers a striking insight into their lives and work.

We come from the desert is the story of Minyjun (Monty Hale), a senior Ngulipartu man from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Written in his own language and in English, Minyjun shares with us his extraordinary life, from his family's migration from the desert to the station country of the eastern Pilbara, his childhood growing up on Mt Edgar Station, witnessing Australia's engagement in World War II, and the famous Pilbara station-worker's strike of 1946. Minyjun takes us through his experiences as a part of the co-operatives formed by the strikers; travelling, hunting and working throughout the Pilbara to support the group. And through the well-documented split of the cooperative that led to Minyjun retaining an allegiance to Don McLeod, a key spokesperson for the Aboriginal workers during the 1946 strike. These stories are also deeply personal. We learn about Minyjun's relationship with Nalma, a woman who was wrong side' for him. Together they left the group and went into hiding, remaining away from their community for a number of years before their marriage was finally accepted. We come from the desert is a story rich in humour and in the ways of Ngulipartu culture. It is because of Minyjun's remarkable memory, his vast cultural knowledge and his strong desire to leave a record of his life that we are able to share in this unique story of a Pilbara man.

This collection of histories, in both written and illustrative form, from the women and men of Ernabella, in northern South Australia, tells the story of the interaction between white and black women that led to the establishment and development of a significant school of Australian art, Ernabella Arts Inc, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998. From 'first missionary coming', through the terror of the nearby atomic bomb tests in the 1950s, to the commercial and artistic successes of the 1990s, the stories speak of great losses and regrets, but also of remarkable achievements, and of the skill and strength of the individuals whose voices we hear. At Ernabella Arts, all the artistic output is produced by women and this, one of the oldest centres of contemporary Aboriginal art in the country, is best known for its distinctive design and its use of new and innovative media, such as those used in textile art. The beautiful batiks produced at Ernabella have been exhibited around the world and the artists are sought after as teachers all over Australia, and internationally. These artists, when asked to explain their designs by those who are unaware of their non-representational nature, say 'don't ask for stories'. We are lucky, however, that they have chosen to record their stories in other ways, and in the process have given their readers a striking insight into their lives and work.

We come from the desert is the story of Minyjun (Monty Hale), a senior Ngulipartu man from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Written in his own language and in English, Minyjun shares with us his extraordinary life, from his family's migration from the desert to the station country of the eastern Pilbara, his childhood growing up on Mt Edgar Station, witnessing Australia's engagement in World War II, and the famous Pilbara station-worker's strike of 1946. Minyjun takes us through his experiences as a part of the co-operatives formed by the strikers; travelling, hunting and working throughout the Pilbara to support the group. And through the well-documented split of the cooperative that led to Minyjun retaining an allegiance to Don McLeod, a key spokesperson for the Aboriginal workers during the 1946 strike. These stories are also deeply personal. We learn about Minyjun's relationship with Nalma, a woman who was wrong side' for him. Together they left the group and went into hiding, remaining away from their community for a number of years before their marriage was finally accepted. We come from the desert is a story rich in humour and in the ways of Ngulipartu culture. It is because of Minyjun's remarkable memory, his vast cultural knowledge and his strong desire to leave a record of his life that we are able to share in this unique story of a Pilbara man.