She could easily have been an enemy of Aboriginals when she moved to Australia. Instead, this woman of Russian aristocracy and British upper class found a powerful connection with the First Australians.

When she met Banjo Clarke, he began telling her the story of his family and his people. Movies like "Australia" and "Rabbit Proof Fence" touch on this history as well.

Over 27 years, she took dictation from Aboriginal Elder, Banjo Clarke. The result was a best-selling book published by Penguin.

This is a bit of her background and how she became interested in the indigenous culture of her adopted country.