Wominjeka fellow travellers! Did you know early European and first nations interactions in Melbourne included trade and bartering for goods at least in the first few years of contact?
John Batman distributed blankets, scissors, looking-glasses as well as flour and sugar when he first signed a treaty with the Kulin in 1835 but it wasn’t long before Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people were trading weapons, skins and beautifully crafted woven baskets in exchange for European products.
William Thomas, the assistant protector to the Kulin, circa 1839 to 1849 set up a station near Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula where he attempted to engage those Aboriginals under his charge in a ‘work for food programme’ and produced goods that were of use to the new settlers.
We can still see examples of the fine basket-making and weaving at a free exhibition currently on view at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square entitled ‘Connie Hart: One Stitch at a Time’.
Incidentally, Koorie Heritage trust is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year just as we at Allwood House are also celebrating our fortieth year as a neighbourhood house!
What better time to visit both organisations and wish them a happy birthday 😊
Until next week – Triganin – see you soon!
References:
One Stitch at a Time exhibition: https://kht.org.au/whats-on/exhibitions/connie-hart/
Allwood 40 Year celebration info: https://allwoodhouse.org.au/event/40-years/
