Food, Culture, and Sovereignty: A Conversation with Kitana Mansell of palawa kipli

As Reconciliation Week invites all Australians to reflect on how we can walk together toward a more respectful and united future, it’s essential to listen to those who carry culture forward every day – not just during one week of the year.

We recently interviewed Kitana Mansell, a proud Palawa woman and driving force behind palawa kipli, Tasmania’s only Aboriginal-owned food business. What began as a family collaboration has grown into a powerful platform for cultural education, community empowerment, and sovereign land and food rights.

Rooted in Culture, Grown from Country

“palawa kipli is first and foremost a native food business. We are operated by Aboriginal people, on Aboriginal land, and are committed to the reconnection of our people to traditional food practices.”

At palawa kipli – which means “Tasmanian Aboriginal food” in palawa kani – Kitana and her team aren’t just cooking; they’re reviving ancient traditions. Through catering, bush-food walks, immersive cultural tours, and storytelling, they’re reconnecting the community with traditional food systems that have sustained Palawa people for tens of thousands of years.

The mission is simple, yet profound: to make sure Tasmanian Aboriginal food is recognised, respected, and celebrated as the original food of this land – Lutruwita/Tasmania.

“We want to share our history and bring people together to enjoy our modern take on traditional foods… and show how sustainable the future can be.”

A Personal Journey of Leadership and Legacy

Kitana’s journey began at just 17 years old, working alongside her cousin and palawa kipli founder, Tim Sculthorpe. Together, they showcased Aboriginal cuisine at major festivals like Dark Mofo and Taste of Summer, gaining attention for their powerful blend of food, culture, and storytelling.

When the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre took over the business in 2020, Kitana stepped into a leadership role – becoming not only a business manager and cook, but also a public speaker, tour guide, and advocate for cultural revitalisation.

“I lead bush-food walks at culturally significant sites like piyura kitina [Risdon Cove], offering immersive experiences that highlight native ingredients and their cultural significance.”

Now, her impact is being widely recognised. Kitana recently received the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Development Award and the Tourism and Hospitality Award at the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards – an acknowledgment of her dedication, innovation, and leadership in a space where culture and business intersect.

Reconciliation Isn’t a Performance

While Kitana values the awareness that Reconciliation Week brings, she’s clear-eyed about what real progress looks like.

“Although Aboriginal people and businesses come to light during Reconciliation Week, reconciliation is just a word until our laws are respected, our country is returned and taken care of, and our people have control over our own futures and identity.”

“Until then, it’s not reconciliation – it’s just a performance.”

These words are both powerful and necessary. They challenge us to move beyond symbolism and into real action – supporting Indigenous-led businesses, listening to First Nations voices, and advocating for sovereignty, justice, and land return.

How You Can Support

Supporting palawa kipli isn’t just about buying food. It’s about contributing to a cultural movement that reclaims space, history, and identity. Every booking, every bush food tour, every shared meal helps preserve Aboriginal knowledge and sustain local employment for Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

🛒 Learn more or book an experience: Follow palawa kipli on Instagram or on their website.

Final Thought

Kitana’s story is one of strength, revival, and deep connection to Country. As we reflect on what Bridging Now to Next truly means, we’re reminded that the future of reconciliation lies not in performative gestures, but in real partnerships, respectful listening, and supporting First Nations leadership.

Let’s walk that path – together.