British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has apologised and withdrawn a children's book he wrote after it was criticised for stereotyping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The condemned the book, which tells the story of a First Nations girl living in foster care, for contributing to the "erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences".
There was also criticisms around the book’s use of stereotypes around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' connections to the land and spirituality.
Oliver and Penguin Random House UK conceded that no consultation with any Indigenous organisation, community or individual took place before the book was published.
Wiradjuri author Dr Anita Heiss said that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must be consulted and involved when their stories are being told.
“First Nations peoples need to be involved at every stage of the process from acquisitions to editorial, to sales and marketing. Only then will our stories be told with the complete respect they deserve.
“There is no space in Australian publishing (or elsewhere) for our stories to be told through a colonial lens, by authors who have little if any connection to the people and place they are writing about," Ms Heiss said in a statement.
Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter said Mr Oliver's book was concerning for a number of reasons:
"The complete lack of consultation with First Nations peoples, despite the book heavily featuring their culture and experiences.
"The harmful stereotyping of Indigenous peoples as having mystical powers and being “more connected with nature,” which reduces complex cultural and spiritual traditions to simplified tropes.
"The particularly insensitive choice to include themes of child stealing, given the painful historical context of the Stolen Generations in Australia.
"The careless mixing of different Indigenous languages and cultures, demonstrating a fundamental disrespect for the distinct identities of various First Nations communities," Ms Hunter posted to Instagram.
Mr Oliver apologised in a statement and said that he and his publishers will no longer sell the book.
"I am devastated to have caused offence and apologise wholeheartedly.
"It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale."
Penguin Random House said that it was poor judgement on their end.
"Our mission at Penguin Random House UK is to make books for everyone and with that commitment comes a deep sense of responsibility," a spokesman for publisher Penguin Random House said.
"It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action.
"With that in mind, we have agreed with our author, Jamie Oliver, that we will be withdrawing the book from sale."
