Don College is proud to offer Tasmanian Aboriginal Studies in 2022 for the first time, taught by Adele Geard. Student, Caitlyn Lomman, has reviewed the following book which was released during NAIDOC Week this year and is authored by local Indigenous elder, Dave mangenner Gough. We hope you enjoy the review.

luwa tara luwa waypa, written by Dave mangenner Gough and illustrated by Samantha Campbell, is an enchanting book that tells the story of a young palawa warrior’s journey to manhood through courage, family, and ancestral bonds. The young palawa, niyakara, is rather reserved, but when his family and the women of his village are threatened he is thrust into a difficult position. As an intense beat thrums through his mind, he must choose his actions carefully, for the fate of both himself and those he loves is placed in his hands. He calls to moinee, his creation spirit, for help and discovers connections previously untold. 

This story is not just charming, it is an excellent tool to use among others to learn about Tasmanian Aboriginal culture. niyakara’s transformation displays the rich relationships that the palawa have with their ancestors, and features bonds with figures such as the tara (male kangaroo) that are vital to the heritage of the Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples. His journey is imbued with vivid information about palawa culture, and the use of palawa kani (Tasmanian Aboriginal language) creates an engaging and beautiful text with a wonderful rhythm. It is a delicate story of growth and connection, with a message that is both distinctly unique to the palawa, yet also relatable to many others. Dave mangenner Gough has created a lovely text that is of great educational worth to a young audience, and perhaps even for those who are older. 

Regardless of the target audience, it is certainly a gorgeous book that would be a valuable read to everyone who picks it up. luwa tara luwa waypa was clearly created from a place of passion, and through the author's desire to create an engaging and immersive text we have been provided with a beautiful palawa story.