Learning to understand: my life story to pakana philosophy ...

• Main Author: Everett, Keith
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: University of Tasmania 2024
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/26132617; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Learning_to_understand_my_life_story_to_pakana_philosophy/26132617

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this thesis may contain references of deceased persons and content which may cause distress. I chose the title for this dissertation, ‘Learning to understand: My life story to pakana philosophy’, to reflect my story of learning what it means to be Aboriginal, my role in helping my community to gain rights as First Nations people, and my seeking another step in the Struggle: how to keep and maintain our connections with Country strong, now and into the future. This dissertation, first and foremost, tells my life story. Born in 1942 on Flinders Island, I grew up with my extended family who experienced racism and lack of opportunities. In 1947, my immediate family moved to Gippsland, country Victoria, and then to St Kilda, Melbourne, in 1953. My work on fishing boats took me back to Flinders Island when I was 16. I found my relatives again and saw fully for the first time that we were an Aboriginal community. My life from that time has been ...