A powerful retelling of one of Australia's most significant moments in democratic history has taken out the 2025 Northern Territory History Book Award.
Professor Clare Wright OAM was announced as this year's winner at a ceremony held last night at Library & Archives NT Danala in Darwin City. She received the $1,000 prize for her acclaimed book, Ṉäku Dhäruk - The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy.
Supported by the Department of People, Sport and Culture, the annual Award recognises the most significant historical book published in the preceding year.
Ṉäku Dhäruk explores how Yolŋu leaders from North East Arnhem Land combined traditional law and Western political frameworks to challenge the Australian Government's land acquisition in the 1960s. Their efforts culminated in the Yirrkala Bark Petitions - the first formal recognition of Aboriginal land rights by the Commonwealth - marking a defining moment in Australia's democratic evolution.
Professor Wright is a celebrated historian, author and broadcaster. She is currently Professor of History and Public Engagement at La Trobe University and Chair of the National Museum of Australia Council. Ṉäku Dhäruk is the final instalment in her critically acclaimed Democracy Trilogy, following The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and You Daughters of Freedom.
"I am very grateful to have won this award," Professor Wright said. "I want to thank the people of North East Arnhem Land, the Yolŋu people, and particularly my adopted family there, ngarraku yapa Valerie Ganambarr and dhuway Dr G Yunupingu who took me into his home and his family and gave me permission - indeed empowered me - to write this story."
Department of People, Sport and Culture CEO Samantha Livesley said the award continues to underscore the importance of preserving and promoting the Northern Territory's unique historical legacy.
"Professor Wright's work offers a compelling account of a pivotal moment in our democratic journey, deeply rooted in the Territory.
"It is an honour to celebrate such an exceptional contribution to historical scholarship - one that broadens national understanding and safeguards stories for future generations."
Award judge Dr Samantha Wells praised the calibre of entries, saying the judges faced a challenge narrowing down the shortlist from 13 submissions.
"This year's entries covered topics as diverse as Cyclone Tracy, Aboriginal rock art, and post-war tropical housing for NT public servants.
"The award, now in its 21st year, continues to showcase the depth and richness of Northern Territory history while highlighting the crucial role historians play in shaping our understanding of the past and its relevance today."
The 2025 shortlisted titles were:
Aboriginal Rock Art and the Telling of History - Laura Rademaker, Sally K. May, Nawakadj and Joakim GoldhahnLicence to Kill: Massacre Men of Australia's North - Dr Robyn SmithBina: First Nations Languages, Old and New - Gari Tudor-Smith, Paul Williams and Felicity Meakins
The Northern Territory History Book Award has been recognising excellence in historical writing since 2004 and is administered annually by Library & Archives NT.
