Web resource launch, Fataluku cultural heritage, Wed August 17, 4.30 pm, RMIT, Melbourne

Safeguarding endangered forms of cultural expression of the Fataluku people web resource.
Wednesday August 17, 4.30-5.30 pm, followed by drinks.
Seminar Rooms 1 and 2, 7th floor, Storey Hall, RMIT, Swanston St.

Cultural practices are vital for the sustainment of a life that is meaningful and promoting of wellbeing. This is so for all peoples, but particularly so for those whose cultures have been impacted by negative external forces, particularly colonisation in all its forms. The people of Timor-Leste have been subject to the most extreme forms of colonisation over centuries, with its concomitant impact on culture. The Fataluku people of far eastern Timor-Leste have been proud carriers of ancient traditions that date back thousands of years. However challenges to cultural maintenance and transmission have resulted from this colonization and more recent impact of loss of elders, globalization, migration to the city and new technologies.
 
This event celebrates the completion of the first stage of a research project to contribute to preservation of Fataluku cultural heritage led by NGO Many Hands International. The project recorded endangered forms of traditional cultural expression, provided Fataluku people with opportunities to learn more about their cultural heritage and built local capacity to preserve cultural heritage. An on-line resource of videos, photos and information about cultural practices in three languages will be launched by Dr Damian Grenfell, Director, Centre for Global Research, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT. Speakers to include MHI Directors Kim Dunphy and Holly Schauble and researcher Tessa Toumbourou.

Web resource: http://www.manyhands.org.au        RSVP: kim.dunphy@manyhands.org.au by 15 August

Many Hands International acknowledges funding from the US Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation and Deakin University, and support from the University of Melbourne for this first stage of this project, and thanks RMIT's Centre for Global Research for hosting this event.