YORTA YORTA Elder Wayne Atkinson’s storyline begins, like thousands of generations before him, on the banks of a river. It would take him to the halls of higher learning and a lifetime of activism to further the empowerment of his people.
Dr Wayne Atkinson will visit the Mooroopna Library on Tuesday, March 31, at 6pm to speak about his book, Beyond the Meeting of the Waters: A Yorta Yorta Life Story.
The book reflects on the life of Dr Atkinson as a senior Yorta Yorta elder and the Yorta Yorta Nation’s deep connection to their ancestral lands, waterways and culture. It discusses their resilience and ongoing struggle for justice, the significance of the Murray River (Dungula) and wetlands, the impact of colonisation, and the importance of language and oral traditions. Divided into six parts, each of which focuses on different aspects of Dr Atkinson’s life, the Yorta Yorta community, and their fight for justice, culture and self-determination.
Dr Wayne Atkinson is a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man. He was the senior research officer for the Yorta Yorta Nations as they pursued their native title land rights claim and provided leadership of the Barmah National Park campaign.
An essential voice of his generation, Dr Atkinson has been at the forefront of Aboriginal cultural renaissance in Victoria since the 1980s, when Kooris asserted their rights to self-determination. His advocacy for human rights has contributed to widespread reform, and he served as a commissioner on the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
If you would like to hear Dr Wayne Atkinson speak, please get in touch with Goulburn Valley Libraries on 1300 374 765 or email mooroopna@gvlibraries.com.au. You can also book online via the library website www.gvlibraries.com.au under the events tab.
