"My mother didn't want us to learn anything that was Aboriginal, not even the basket weaving. I suppose she could see what was happening and she didn't think it would do us any good. That's why I watched and taught myself. I watched people at Purnim, all those old people up there. I'd go and sit amongst them and watch them doing it. But if I asked any questions they wouldn't tell me - they'd tell me nothing.
"All those old people seemed to have the same idea - don't tell us young people nothing.
"I think I've taught about 30 people basket weaving now. Even little kids, they'll come and sit down here and be taught. I think it's very important, it's our culture."
Aunty Connie Hart saved the tradition of basket weaving with poongarrt (grass for weaving) by being naughty and watching her mother and aunts when they were too scared she'd be taken away by white men if they taught her how to do it.
And now, the Koorie Heritage Trust in Naarm/Melbourne are celebrating their 40 year anniversary with an exhibition in my great aunt's honour.
Her weaving is meticulous and breathtaking. I was fortunate enough to attend the opening -- if you find yourself in Naarm/Melbourne with a spare 10 minutes, I highly recommend seeing the free exhibition at Fed Square.
Aunty Sandra, Aunty Con's niece and my mother's sister, was commissioned to make a basket for the exhibition, too.
