History

In early 2008, a group of Tasmanian Aboriginal people came together to discuss how Community could be inclusive and have a voice especially in the area of Cultural Heritage and Knowledge. Key objectives of the group were identified as being:

  • Establish and maintain an Aboriginal cultural artifacts and knowledges keeping place
  • Conduct and advocate research into Aboriginal history and cultural practice.
  •  Develop, re-establish and conduct interdisciplinary Aboriginal ceremonial
  • practices.
  • Purchase, market and promote Aboriginal cultural products
  • Mentor and showcase Aboriginal artistic expression
  • Conduct Aboriginal cultural heritage experiences on-Country
  • Develop and conduct Aboriginal cultural awareness training
  • Advocate Aboriginal needs and aspirations to government departments and non-government organisations
  • Reclaim and establish our rightful historical and contemporary place as the original People of Tasmania.
  • Operate with the highest integrity in business in order to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and practice as specified by the members
  • Explore and develop cultural tourism ventures including partnerships with key stakeholders
  • Explore avenues for funding and grants from State and Federal Government and private enterprise, for program services, land acquisitions, commercial ventures and infrastructure development.
  • Conduct workshops to assist with health, wellbeing, and healing programs.
  • Explore opportunities for dual or co-management, including management, restoration and care of country and areas of significance including both land and water environments.
  • Explore and develop opportunities for return of land through formal lease agreements, acquisitions, and handbacks.
  • Develop or promote commercial ventures or employment opportunities for

    Aboriginal people in land and water management.

    After many discussions amongst themselves and consultation with prospective members, the group successfully applied to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC) became registered. Membership is limited to Tasmanian Aboriginal people, that is, anyone who can show a direct link to North East Tasmania. MTWAC ‘s first meeting of was held on 17 December 2008. The inaugural Board of Directors elected at this meeting were:

  • Auntie Patsy Cameron
  • Auntie Vicki Matson-Green
  • Uncle Ronnie Summers
  • Auntie Dyan Summers
  • Jo Cameron
  • Tarni Matson

Auntie Patsy Cameron remains active in the organisation through the Circle of Elders, sharing her wide range of skills and knowledge with Government, non-Government, Aboriginal community and membership.

11 November 2015