Letters to the Editor, The Mercury – 8 July 2014

John R.Wilson of Daisy Dell Posted at 9:49 AM July 08, 2014
I’ve always looked forward to NAIDOC Week for one reason or another: Indigenous films on SBS, community dances, dinners and picnics, visits to
special places. But at the same time as we celebrate the survival of our Indigenous people and their continuing culture here in Tasmania, I am also mindful of the opportunities that are being lost to us. Opportunities to help the disparate Tasmanian Aboriginal communities get together to make peace with one other, for example, and then to help them extend the hands of friendship to so-called “outsiders” and to other Indigenous people from other lands. In 2010, the Tiagarra Tasmanian Aboriginal Museum and Cultural Centre at Mersey Bluff in Devonport was used to welcome a traditional Ainu delegation from Japan. It was a warm and inclusive inspirational ceremony held at a magnificent location where there are over 200 ancient rock engravings, presided over by local Aboriginal elders, and joined by the Mayor of Devonport and other important guests. But now, Tiagarra looks closed and abandoned. I feel very sad about it. Next year, the lease for this centre expires. What will happen to it …
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-firstclass-experience/story-fnj4f64i-1226980890429