"This is not the story of a sleepy little hamlet in the wilderness of Arnhem Land. This is the story of an intriguing place and some remarkable people. Several themes run through the history including the control of land, the impact of grog, the importance of 'good people' and the value of positive partnerships between Aboriginal and Balanda. Above all there is the struggle by Aboriginal people to be the decision-makers, to determine their own future. The story of Maningrida began long before Arnhem Land emerged into national consciousness. It was once considered as the site for Australia's northern capital. Makassans, navigators, surveyors and patrol officers visited the area before government men sought to establish a settlement at Manayingkarrira in the land of the Kunibidji people. Maningrida was founded in 1957. It aimed to transition tribal Aboriginal people into mainstream Australian society. Health and education services faced special challenges. Attempts to establish industries other than Aboriginal art, all failed. Deep divisions developed in the community when Aboriginal people became part of the electoral landscape. Struggles peaked in the late 1970s when defenders of Aboriginal self-determination went head-to-head with the Commonwealth in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory"--Back cover.