About the Living Knowledge Project

The Living Knowledge Project is a partnership between Devonport Library and local palawa people.

At its heart, the project is a year-long residency program, offering a platform for Tasmanian Aboriginal people to share their personal journeys through the ancient art of yarning and storytelling. 13 palawa Elders and knowledge holders will be in residence at Devonport Library over a 12 month period, beginning in June 2024.

In a local library setting traditionally associated with the written word, this initiative represents a groundbreaking opportunity to integrate oral traditions and Tasmanian Aboriginal perspectives into the mosaic of knowledge dissemination, information access, learning and connection.

About Fiona Green

Fiona Green is a proud pakana woman, and a direct descendant of mannalargena, bangana of the pairebeena clan.

Fiona’s family hails from tayaritja in the Furneaux Islands and she has been lucky enough to be taught the art of kanalaritja (shell necklace) stringing by her Aunty maikutena Vicki-Laine Green. Aunty Vicki has also taught Fiona how to weave tirrina (native grass basket) and rikawa (bull kelp basket). The process of passing these significant traditions through family is imperative for the continuation of culture, and Fiona’s love and passion for her culture is evident in the quality of her strings and her commitment to teaching others about the rich histories of her people.

Fiona remembers always being in awe of her Elders and how they strung these beautiful necklaces together. The strength of pakana women, to keep these traditions going, radiates through Fiona, and she will pass these traditions down through her own family lines.

Fiona can be found most weekends down by the beach or out on Country, taking in the uniqueness of the North-West Coast of Lutruwita and all that it has to offer. Fiona says “spending time out on Country… I feel that it begins to show me where I need to be”.

Education is a corner stone of Fiona’s life. She has worked as a teacher for many years at our local Indie school in Devonport and is now an Associate Lecturer with the Murina Program at Riawunna Centre for Education, University of Tasmania.

To ensure a successful event, please:

• Don’t attend if you are unwell

• Let us know if you can’t attend so we can offer your place to someone else

• Practice COVID safe behaviours

• Let us know if you have any support needs, or if a support person will be coming with you.

Accessibility:

• The multi-level car park (corner of Best Street and Fenton Way) provides disabled access parking, lift access and flat walking surfaces between the car park and the paranaple centre. Council parking fees apply.

• Entrance to the paranaple centre is via automatic doors at both Market Square and Rooke Street entrances. The Market Square entrance offers universal access and is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.

• Inside the paranaple centre, Devonport Library is located on both ground and first floors. Escalators, lifts and stairs are available to take you between the two floors. A parent and child room is situated on the ground floor and accessible toilets are available on all floors.

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