NAIDOC Week has come and gone for another year, but the celebrations which happened around Murrindindi Shire inspired excitement and curiosity in everyone involved.
Murrindindi Shire Council Acting Mayor Sandice McAulay said Council was pleased to have supported several wonderful events which promote the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people.
“We were very lucky to have local and visiting Aboriginal people share their rich and vibrant cultures with our communities over the week,” Cr McAulay said.
“At Council’s Alexandra Library, Taungurung woman Cassie Leatham led two wonderful weaving workshops – one for kids and another for women.
“And Aboriginal author Bruce Pascoe did great presentations at both the Alexandra Library and the Y Water Discovery Centre. Talking about his latest book ‘Dark Emu: Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident?’, Mr Pascoe outlined the findings of his research which came from historical pastoral and explorer’s journals. His research suggests Aboriginal Australians were using agricultural practices tens of thousands of years ago which is in stark contrast to the accepted theory they were predominately hunter-gatherer people.
“At the Y Water Discovery Centre, Taungurung woman Angela ten Buuren put together an exhibition of Taungurung cultural artefacts and ran traditional art activities for children. Ms ten Buuren and Cassie Leatham also led a series of ‘walk and talk’ tours through the Yea Wetlands to share the traditional uses of indigenous plants.
“These events are really important because they provide an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the history and culture of Aboriginal people in a fun and engaging way. I would like to say a big thank you to Ms ten Buuren, Ms Leatham and Mr Pascoe for their generosity in sharing their time and stories with us.
“Often when we get the opportunity to hear stories and see firsthand other ways of doing things it sparks our curiosity. And what better way to find answers to questions you didn’t know you had than visiting your library? Luckily for us, the Murrindindi Library Service has more than 600 books and resources about Aboriginal Australia available to borrow.
“NAIDOC week provides a focus annually for us to think about Aboriginal history in our Shire, but we don’t need to restrict ourselves to that week.
“So, pop down to your library and get amongst the vast array of books on the topic or why not try the Taungurung Language Resource Kit for in-house use at each of the libraries. Or find out when the Mobile Library and Customer Service Van is going to be stopping near you.” Cr McAulay added.
See www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/libraries for more information.
