The talk will focus on the legacy; it will address the stories that support the inspiration for my research. My practice led research exegesis project is split between a thesis and the production of an artifact, or body of work, that will be installed into a private exhibition. This project explores Pakana making through adaptation; it advocates the strengthening of the Pakana islander patrilineal agency and voice. The thesis discusses the legacy of knowledge that I have inherited. the artifact or vessel is the representation of said knowledge to share with the future generations via artifact production. A review of texts highlighted that the Pakana Men’s business agency and voice is lacking advocacy, especially regarding the continuity of adapted cultural practice such as canoe making. This gap has in turn highlighted that these practices seem to some people unguarded by story, narrative, and connection. The project seeks to correct this and defend the Pakana standpoint through advocacy to prevent the appropriation of Pakana Indigenous Copyright and Indigenous Property. It will use the exegesis to discuss the discourse around canoe chronology as evidence of the divided timelines, highlighting why the Tasmanian Ninga canoe is unique, that the mainland Aboriginal adaptations of canoe making are a continued adaptation of design and function compared to the ancient Pakana canoe.
Dean Greeno is a Pakana sculptor born on unceded Flinders Island whose practice is grounded in Pakana cultural continuity, ancestral knowledge, and deep connection to Land, Sea, and Sky Country. His work often uses driftwood and natural materials to express Pakana resilience, identity, relationality and self-determination drawing on a long family lineage of artists including Lola and Rex Greeno as well as his Sea faring legacy. Greeno’s sculptures explore the tensions of navigating “two worlds” while affirming the strength of Pakana Indigenous knowledge systems. A 2024 Telstra NATSIAA finalist, peoples choice award winner and 2026 Natsiaa panel judge, Pakana community advocate, he also contributes to research on ocean and climate issues, emphasizing traditional knowledge in environmental stewardship.