Celia Waldron
Have you ever been excited for Summer on the first day of December only to be disappointed when it’s cold and rainy?
For First Nations People the seasons don’t change when the calendar does. Instead they look for changes in plants, animals, water, weather and the stars to mark the start of a new season.
Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews is a delightful introduction to First Nations six seasons, beautifully illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis. It has a guide to language and culture and source notes to ask Aunty Munya Andrews more – she is passionate about keeping Indigenous language alive to leave behind a compelling legacy for everyone.
The book encourages readers of all ages to develop a deeper connection to the land, waters and sky. After listening to a radio interview with Aunty Munya, the book became a “must” gift to my eight year old granddaughter to help in consolidating her primary school learning. But it’s not only for children – this book should be read by people of all ages who are interested in First Nations culture and language.
Aunty Munya Andrews grew up in the Kimberley. Her adoptive grandmother told her many Dreamtime stories of the stars that fostered an early and lifelong interest in astronomy. She has degrees in anthropology and law and works as an academic and lawyer.
Ask Aunty: Seasons is available at Paradise Books in Vincent Street, Daylesford.
Celia Waldron is a Hepburn resident and a member of the editorial committee of The Wombat Post.
