Aboriginal Dispute Resolution

"Aboriginal Dispute Resolution: A Step Towards Self-Determination and Community Autonomy" by Larissa Behrendt is a book published in 1995 by Federation Press. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Indigenous Self-Determination: The book emphasizes the importance of Indigenous communities having control over their own dispute resolution processes. It argues that traditional values and decision-making structures should be integrated into modern dispute resolution models.
2. Cultural Values: The book explores how Aboriginal cultural values and worldviews can be used to develop alternative dispute resolution processes that are more effective and equitable for Indigenous communities.
3. Community Autonomy: It proposes models that can be adapted for use in traditional, rural, and urban communities, aiming to enhance community autonomy and self-governance.

Plot Summary

The book discusses the need for Indigenous communities to implement their own models of dispute resolution. It provides a detailed analysis of how traditional values and decision-making structures can be integrated into modern dispute resolution processes. The author uses case studies and field research to illustrate the effectiveness of these models in resolving disputes within and between Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not readily available in the sources provided, the book has been recognized for its contribution to the field of Indigenous dispute resolution and its advocacy for community autonomy and self-determination. The book's focus on cultural values and its practical approach to conflict resolution have been noted as significant contributions to the literature on Indigenous legal relations and dispute management.

Practical Tools and Models

The book offers practical tools and models for practitioners seeking to resolve conflicts in Aboriginal communities or between Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders. It uses conflict around land, particularly at the intersection between land claims and native title, as a focus for its research and recommendations.

Availability

The book is available in various formats, including paperback, and can be found through online retailers such as AbeBooks and ThriftBooks. However, some editions may be out of stock.

In summary, "Aboriginal Dispute Resolution" by Larissa Behrendt is a seminal work that advocates for Indigenous self-determination and community autonomy through the integration of traditional values into modern dispute resolution processes. Its practical approach and focus on cultural values make it a valuable resource for practitioners and scholars in the field of Indigenous legal relations and conflict management.