‘Does readers the important service of placing the debates about Indigenous policy—and Indigenous futures in remote Australia—into a theoretically coherent framework.’

From the foreword by Professor Fred Myers, New York University

‘In an original and highly provocative critique, Diane Austin-Broos asks whether anthropologists’ commitment to cultural difference, and failure to treat the residents of remote Aboriginal communities as historical subjects, blinded them to inequality created by the legal system and the state. This lucid and accessible genealogy of the divergent streams of recent anthropological thinking and debate is a must read for anybody with a serious interest in understanding the current conf licted views about remote Aboriginal futures.’

Nicolas Peterson, Professor of Anthropology, Australian National University

‘Once more there is an Aboriginal “crisis”, this time in Alice Springs as more members of remote communities move to overcrowded town camps. Where do we turn to understand better why this is happening and what should be done? Austin-Broos discusses why these questions have not been answered well by anthropologists, economists and opinion writers. She analyses the unsettled debate and polarization about policies for remote communities. This book is an important contribution. Ideas generate policy and we all have an interest in the way in which ideas are developed in our universities and think tanks. In this insightful and different book Austin-Broos challenges us all.’

Bob Gregory, Professor of Economics, Australian National University