The People of Budj Bim details the rich and largely unknown history of the Gunditjmara people's ancestral lands and their sophisticated cultural practices. The book explores the Gunditjmara's traditional eel aquaculture systems and the stone house settlements they built across the landscape of the Mt Eccles lava flow. It highlights their role as warriors defending their country and their significant achievements in engineering and land management. The narrative emphasizes the Gunditjmara people's connection to their land, culminating in the recognition of Budj Bim as a National Heritage landscape and the granting of native title.

The book is presented as a collaborative effort between the Gunditjijmara people and Gib Wettenhall, aiming to bring to light the history of their traditional eel aquaculture systems and stone house settlements. Its publication coincides with significant recognition of the Budj Bim landscape, including its National Heritage listing and the granting of native title to the Gunditjmara people. The narrative focuses on the Gunditjijmara's achievements in engineering, land management, and their role as defenders of their country. The book serves as a testament to their enduring connection to their ancestral lands and their cultural legacy.