Miiku and Tinta: A story from Umpila Country by Liz Thompson
Pearson Education, 2011. ISBN 9781442546936.
Miiku and Tinta comes from the Sharing Our Stories series of 14
books on indigenous culture. Each book shares a traditional story
from a different indigenous community. These stories describe in
detail the different traditions, cultural practices and creation
beliefs of each community.
Miiku and Tinta is a creation story shared by the Umpila community
in Lockhart River, located north of Cairns in Queensland. Along with
the story, the book includes information about the Lockhart River
community, information about the story from two storytellers as well
as perspectives and information shared by children and elders in the
community. Photographs of the contributors help the reader to
connect more readily with the people and the culture from which the
story of Miiku and Tinta originates. The story itself is illustrated
with pictures drawn by children from the community which really
helps to bring the story into a context that students in my year 5
class could relate to. At the bottom of most of the pages is a
glossary which helps with understanding as you read.
As a Read aloud, this book provides the opportunity for rich
discussion about the traditions, beliefs and customs from
Umpila Country. At the back of the book, the inclusion of the story
written in Umpila language adds a worthwhile point of interest. I
would recommend this book as a good tool for teaching research
skills incorporating visual literacies as part of units centred on
indigenous culture.
Matt Eldridge