TAF2024 | WRITERS' RETREAT

RESPECTFUL INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION IN FICTION

This year, the festival is inviting writer participants to connect with local First Nations people to discuss respectful Indigenous representation in their work because of it’s importance to local Aboriginal people.

Local Melukerdee (Huon Valley) elder, Auntie Julie Dunlop, is part of the team answering writers’ questions. She sees a need for increased inclusion. ‘For many years in Tasmania, I have witnessed my people struggle to maintain faith in who they are after continually being denied their identity. Sadly, this includes our absence from most novels and short stories set in the Huon Valley. This denial has had, and is having, the biggest impact on our kids.’

Festival Founder Director, Dr L.J.M. Owen, explained the motivation behind the pilot program. ‘We know writers want to recognise First Nations communities in their manuscripts, but they worry about getting it wrong. Many conclude it's best not to try, which can unintentionally contribute to the historic erasure of Indigenous people.’

Australia’s newly crowned Mister Universe, Melukerdee man Jonathan Berry, is working to bring both parties together to find a solution. ‘I’m excited to lead a new kind of program – inclusive, grassroots and First Nations led – to create a culturally sound space where Australian writers can work with First Nations people to amplify our voices through inclusion in their novels.’

Jamie Bantick, Director of Ballawinne Aboriginal Corporation, a Tasmanian arts and culture organisation focused on youth education and connection to country, is also backing the pilot. ‘I’m hopeful that the writers at the festival, by collaborating with our mob, will recognise us in their books, and for our children’s sake, help to increase our visibility. I believe this program is a step on our path to reconciliation.’

Maddy Berry, an emerging Melukerdee leader, is keen for the collaboration to be ongoing. ‘I’ve always wanted our people recognised on the mainland. Every mainland mob I've met says they were told there are no Aboriginal people where we live. But we’re here, we’re passionate, we’re caring for country, and we want to change that narrative and be recognised by our own mob, as well as all other Australians.’

The pilot program is a first step in matching writers’ desires to include aspects of First Nations culture in their stories with local Aboriginal community members’ desire for increased respectful representation. Participants in the professional development program will be invited to submit questions, including anonymously, as part of the consultation.

Links to:

• the week’s program leaders;

• the masterclasses and publishing salons;

• the Tasmanian Chapter of Sisters in Crime Australia Mysterious Women of Crime Trivia Night;

• the full timetable; and

• tickets.

• For more information on the retreat location, accommodation, critique groups and a full schedule, please click here.

Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our festival is held, the Melukerdee People of the South East Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

TARWF’s 2024 professional development program is made possible by partner Frank’s Bar and Ciderhouse and TARWF’s 2024 masterclass series is supported by the Tasmanian Government.