22 FEBRUARY 2023 | ISSUE 518 | FREE
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Say Hello to Taungurung Country and Culture The Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) has launched its new cultural experiences business ‘wawa biik’ meaning ‘’hello country” – a name with the dual purpose of honouring the deep importance of Country to all Taungurung People, while warmly welcoming the wider community to visit Country and deepen their relationship with Taungurung culture. Taungurung Elders and youth are leading immersive cultural experiences, sharing their stories and perspectives in a way that celebrates and regenerates their living culture. wawa biik cultural experiences take place in significant locations across Taungurung Country, Central Victoria, including the waterways of Tahbilk Wetlands in Nagambie and the Euroa Arboretum – a pocket of rehabilitated native bush in Euroa. As well as acknowledging Taungurung history and cultural heritage, experiences provide
visitors with quality time to yarn with members of the Taungurung community to understand living culture. Visitors will gain insight into the Taungurung-led cultural revitalisation and cultural land management projects shaping the positive future of the Taungurung Nation. Uncle Shane Monk – a proud Taungurung man, Elder and Cultural Tour Guide – says wawa biik will enable everyone to see and feel that culture is alive and always has been.
“We want people to realise that we continue to have that connection with Country, we’re still practicing our traditional rights on Country and making our scar trees and tools. We are living and protecting that continuous connection every day.” Engaging the public in cultural experiences provides everyone with the opportunity to understand the purposeful journey Taungurung People are on to strengthen their cultural identity and repatriate their ways of caring for Country. Visitors will form a
deeper relationship with Taungurung Custodians, learn about the biocultural values of Country and receive the cultural education that many missed out on at school. Uncle Shane explains their focus is to create a friendly and respectful learning environment. “We welcome everyone to come and experience Country with us. Respect is two ways. We respect people are at different stages of the learning journey, but we will open their minds and make them feel connected to the stories we’re yarning about.” wawa biik offers both scheduled and private group cultural experiences several times a month, with prices starting from $145 per person for a half day scheduled experience. All experiences are led by two Taungurung Cultural Tour Guides and include a traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony, guided cultural walk, yarning circle, and morning tea. For more information: www.wawabiik.com.au