Country holds the stories of our past, and the hopes of our future. Pakana (Tasmanian Aborigines) are connected to Country – in the knowledge of all that has come before; in the knowledge of how Muyini made Palawa, the first black man; how the mountains, rivers and islands were cut; in the knowledge of the way in which the Ancestors cared for and lived within Country. When we talk about ‘Country’ it is not just land. Country is also sea Country, and the waterways – from beneath the earth to the sky.
The physical expressions of Aboriginal heritage in this area -the middens, stone tools, stone quarry sites, cave shelters and the flora and fauna that was cultivated – all form part of this cultural landscape.
The density of material left, according to our lore/stories since the beginning of time, and by archaeology approximately 6000 years of use, indicates this area was an important seasonal gathering place, where families shared meals and passed on stories. Ceremony, song and dance was integral to the transmission of important laws and lore; of kinship; of wars; of relationships with other language groups; the seasons and songlines.
The spirit of the Mumirimina remains strong here in their Country. As long as lutha, the gum tree and countrymen of the Mumirimina are healthy and present in the landscape, so too will the memory and spirit of the People remain strong.
Our Country and our heritage is central to our identity as Aboriginal people – we ask that you respect all species within this cultural landscape, including our heritage.
milaythina Pakana waranta; waranta Pakana milaythina.
waranta tunapri Muyini + Rrumitina pumili Palawa – waypa pama;
rukiri truwala, minanya, rruni.
Pakana Ngini ningina milaythina nayri nayri; manina-ti wurangkili-tu
paliti Mumirimina makara rrala lumi; lutha, takariliya Mumirimina makara lumi.
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