HORSHAM: No Longer A Wandering Spirit Author Tribute
WARNING: This webpage contains the names and images of people now deceased.
Celebrate the achievements of late local author Dr Sharon Huebner and discover the story of Bessy Flowers.
Through compassionate research alongside descendants of Minang woman, Bessy Flowers, Dr Huebner and Ezzard Flowers uncovered and restored a history that had been long held within colonial archives.
Experienced through historical photographs, letters and lived experiences, No Longer a Wandering Spirit traces both the pain of separation and the enduring strength of connection to family and Country.
At the event, Dr Huebner’s family will reflect on Sharon’s collaborative work, and the importance of continuing to listen to, honour, and support First Nations stories.
Light catering will be provided.
About No Longer a Wandering Spirit
By Sharon Huebner and Ezzard Flowers
No Longer a Wandering Spirit acknowledges the sleeping spirit of Bessy Flowers, a Minang ancestor belonging to the Great Southern of Western Australia.
Bessy moved away from her Minang homeland in June 1867, never to return. She was a young Aboriginal woman, educated, musical, confident and hopeful.
On Thursday I wished I was going to Church instead of rocking about in the steamer…Often & often my thoughts fly to dear Albany.
Admired for a time, Bessy’s esteemed qualities could not shield her from the injustices of colonial society.
I hope you will allow us to stay on this station it comes hard on the children and myself wandering about without a home…Please listen to my prayer for it is a prayer for a home.
No Longer a Wandering Spirit is Bessy’s story told through archival letters and photos dating from the 1860s. Bessy’s spiritual return home to the resting place of her ancestors is encapsulated by unifying expressions of family, kin and country.
“This book is a story told through the experience and emotions of my family. It’s our journey of reconnecting and of discovering a stronger sense of who we are” – Ezzard Flowers.
