The Hills Shire Library Service is excited to host a very special exhibition of the award-winning picture book, Cooee Mittigar, which will be on display at Castle Hill Library, in the Local Studies Cabinet until January 22.
The FREE exhibition, presented by Western Sydney literature organisation, WestWords, and designed by Donna Rawlins, features artwork from the award-winning picture book which was written and illustrated by two proud Darug women, Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson.
Cooee Mittigar, which means 'come here friend' in the Darug language, takes readers through Darug country, as well as the changing seasons, and the weather and the wildlife that reflects each period. The story, which is perfect for children and adults alike, provides insight into how the Darug people read the seasons, and how they used each season to sustain their lives, including knowing when it was the right time to hunt.
The book is told in Darug and interspersed with English. An extensive word list is also included to define the meaning of each Darug word used within the story.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said the display will take viewers through the process of making a picture book, and local Aboriginal culture and traditions.
"This is a fantastic exhibition and I am so proud that our Hills Shire Library Service will be showcasing the work by two very talented Darug women," Mayor Gangemi said.
"It's an exciting opportunity to understand more about our local Darug culture and language, as well as the work that goes into creating a picture book – especially one that was awarded the Prime Minister's Literary Award in 2020," Mayor Gangemi added.
Darug is one of many Aboriginal languages spoken in Australia. It is used by the Darug people, who are the traditional custodians of land, which is located in Sydney. The Darug territory includes an area that stretches from as far as the foothills of the Blue Mountains through to Penrith, Blacktown and the Hawkesbury, as well as across to The Hills Shire and down to Camden.
For more details, visit The Hills Shire Library website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/library/.
Above: Cooee Mittigar Exhibition at Castle Hill Library.
