Acknowledgement of Country

Van Diemen’s Band acknowledges with deep respect the palawa people of lutruwita (Tasmania) on which we have the privilege to make music.  

For the palawa people, lutruwita is their country. They know this place, and they care for their land, their seas and their waterways. They live on the land, and are part of the land. Their songlines trace back millenia, and their music and culture flows through the beautiful bushland, beaches, rivers, skies and mountain streams of this island. We deeply respect and acknowledge that theirs is the oldest continuing musical culture in history.

We acknowledge the impacts of colonisation, and we stand for truth and recognition of the devastating consequences of invasion on the palawa people of lutruwita and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. We pay respect to the elders past and present and the traditional custodians of these lands, and strive to fight for Aboriginal justice, rights and truth, to help pave the way towards a stronger future.