This week I was tasked by The Guardian with writing the obituary for First Nations elder, actor, musician, activist and storyteller Jack Charles who died suddenly at 79. It was my first time writing about an Aboriginal person who had died and I was very aware of the cultural sensitivities of doing so. However, I really loved learning about his life and what a remarkable man he was. I’ve bought his book ‘Jack Charles – Born Again Blakfella’ and thoroughly enjoyed it and his authenticity and zero bullshit factor. ‘This is me; take it or leave it’ is the vibe I got. I was very fortunate to meet him at the 2019 Byron Bay Writer’s Festival when I was volunteering with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (he made a very generous donation into my tin).
So, when my editor emailed me a day or two later with this feedback, I was thrilled, and relieved that I’d done a good job!
Me with Jack Charles in 2019
Feedback from The Guardian