1 Introduction

This section introduces the historical background of Australian Indigenous literature, noting its suppression and marginalization following European colonial invasion, with a gradual revival not occurring until the late 20th century. It highlights Kim Scott’s 1999 novel *Benang: From the Heart*, which, through the perspective of the protagonist Harley, explores his search for family history within the context of the "whitening" experiment, revealing the atrocities and injustices committed by white settlers against Indigenous people during the colonial period. The novel delves into the identity struggles of light-skinned Indigenous individuals. Furthermore, it outlines that this paper will employ postcolonial critical theory to provide an in-depth analysis of three key themes in the novel: reflecting on historical trauma, the challenges of identity construction in the postcolonial era, and cultural regeneration and individual resistance.

2 Reflection on Historical Trauma

This section delves into the historical trauma suffered by Australian Indigenous people as depicted in *Benang: From the Heart*. Through the story of Harley’s family, the novel reveals the comprehensive destruction inflicted by European colonizers, including drastic population decline, land dispossession, cultural devastation, and the fragmentation of identity. Based on theories of racial and cultural superiority, colonizers viewed Indigenous people as "primitive," "savage," and "inferior," and under the guise of a "civilizing mission," implemented a series of oppressive policies and laws, such as the *Aboriginal Act* and the "Certificate of Exemption" system. These tools stripped Indigenous people of their basic human rights, ensuring the absolute dominance of white colonial society. Author Kim Scott employs non-linear narrative techniques, using Harley’s recollections to indirectly expose the brutality of colonial policies, including land dispossession, ethnic cleansing, and the "whitening" policy. These policies not only ignored the feelings of Indigenous people but also caused severe devastation to Aboriginal communities. Meanwhile, to legitimize colonial occupation, white settlers declared Australia "terra nullius" (land belonging to no one), forcing Indigenous people to the outskirts. This colonial policy essentially constituted a "genocide plan," aimed at profiting from Indigenous lands and eradicating the entire Aboriginal population.

3 Challenges of Identity Construction in the Postcolonial Era

This section explores the challenges of identity construction in the postcolonial era, using *Benang: From the Heart* as a focal point to analyze the identity dilemmas faced by Australian Indigenous people and those of mixed Aboriginal and white descent. Identity construction is crucial in postcolonial literature, as it relates to individual and collective identity, as well as reflection on colonial history and culture. Postcolonial identity construction involves how the colonized respond to colonial influences, re-evaluate their own culture, and resist colonial culture. Through the protagonist Harley’s perspective, *Benang: From the Heart* reveals the challenges Indigenous people face in constructing their identities, particularly third-generation mixed-race individuals who live between two cultures yet struggle to find balance, gradually losing their sense of self. They yearn for social recognition but face discrimination due to policies like the *Aboriginal Act*. Their identity construction is affected by the forced severance of cultural roots and the structural deception of false assimilation by colonizers. The forced severance of cultural roots manifests in the disruption of traditional knowledge and the physical cutting of cultural transmission chains, such as the loss of hunting culture and the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. The structural deception of false assimilation involves coercive transformation, superficially integrating the colonized into mainstream society while causing a deep loss of identity and cultural belonging, as illustrated by the case of Topsy.

4 Cultural Regeneration and Individual Resistance

This chapter analyzes how Indigenous individuals and communities in *Benang: From the Heart* resist the erosion of colonial culture and achieve cultural regeneration and identity reconstruction by reclaiming cultural traditions and fostering solidarity. Individuals like Fanny and Jack adhere to traditional knowledge and customs, striving to restore their cultural identity, while community solidarity strengthens cultural identity and provides support for cultural revival. With the help of his family, Harley reconnects with his roots and establishes his identity. Community cohesion holds significant meaning for Indigenous people. Faced with the white government’s "eugenics" policies, Indigenous people seek out relatives, strengthening community ties to resist the crisis of assimilation. Collective living is not only an organizational form but also a guarantee for cultural transmission and identity affirmation.

5 Conclusion

This section summarizes how the novel, from a postcolonial perspective, portrays the severe harm inflicted upon Australian Indigenous people under colonialism, including the loss of land and resources, the destruction of cultural traditions and social structures, and the cultural disintegration and identity dilemmas faced in the postcolonial period. It also emphasizes the spirit of resistance and cultural resilience demonstrated by some Indigenous individuals, such as Fanny and Harley. Through their efforts to reclaim and preserve cultural heritage, they bring hope to Indigenous communities and provide insights for society, showcasing the resilience of Indigenous people in the face of invasion.