Kangkushot: The life of Nyamal Lawman Peter Coppin (Second edition)

Summary

Kangkushot provides valuable insights into the rich and spiritual way Aboriginal people view their lives and land, and their place in it.

This is an updated edition of an epic and remarkable story of senior Nyamal lawman, Peter Coppin, who dreamed of a different life for his people. Despite great danger to themselves, he and others took part in the longest Aboriginal strike in Australia, the Pilbara Strike in 1946.

Born in Yarrie country in Western Australia’s Pilbara, he describes a life of danger, drama and hardship; his people forced to work on pastoral stations for meagre rations, their lives subject to the whims of white pastoralists, government agents and legislators. Coppin went on to be awarded a British Empire medal, was joint NAIDOC elder of the year – and won a police medal, as well as negotiating the first perpetual leases over Pilbara land and running a successful cattle station.

Jolly Read is a journalist who worked closely with Peter Coppin and his community. Her first edition was shortlisted for the WA Premier’s Book Award with the play from the book winning the WA Premier’s script award.

Endorsements

'This is a timely update of Jolly Read’s excellent work.'

— Kim Beazley, Australian ambassador to the USA

'The Pilbara strike was an important and inspiring milestone in the battle for justice, rights, equality and recognition for Indigenous people.'

— Professor Patrick Dodson, former Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.