Here on Sea Country

Here on Sea Country shares the voices, knowledge and lived experiences of Palawa people, exploring deep cultural connections to Sea Country through story, art and community collaboration.

Tasmanian Aboriginal people have always been connected to Sea Country.

– quote from Here on Sea Country

Based on the book, Here on Sea Country is a free exhibition showing at State Library and Archives of Tasmania, Level 2, 91 Murray Street, Nipaluna/Hobart.

At its heart, Here on Sea Country is about:

• connections to place
• cultural continuity
• respect for Elders and knowledge holders
• caring for Sea Country now and into the future.

For tens of thousands of years, Tasmanian Aboriginal people have maintained a strong and living connection to Sea Country.

Join Nanna and her grandchildren on Sea Country. Learn with them about what Sea Country is and how the Palawa people connect to Sea Country.

Here on Sea Country brings these connections to life through storytelling, creative expression and community participation.  It highlights the knowledge passed between generations – from fishing and harvesting practices to language, memory and cultural responsibility.

This project centres Palawa voices, sharing perspectives that continue to strengthen culture and connection despite the impacts of colonisation.

Acknowledgement

The project was guided by Aboriginal knowledge holders and Elders including Aunty Verna Nichols, ensuring cultural authority and respect for protocols.

Developed as part of the Explore Sea Country program by Aboriginal Education Services (AES), in partnership with the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and Marine Parks Australia, the book was written and illustrated by Tasmanian Aboriginal people and illustrated by Aunty Verna Nichols with the help of Pakana and Palawa students from Flinders Island District School and Cape Barren Island School.