Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
|
Miriam Rose is a remarkable spirit-filled woman who cares wholeheartedly about her community. It was a great pleasure to sit and yarn with her. I will always treasure the painting she gave me as a farewell gift.
|
I fell in love with Nauiyu and its people. The people I met were just so warm-hearted.
Miriam Rose is a remarkable spirit-filled woman who cares wholeheartedly about her community. It was a great pleasure to sit and yarn with her. I will always treasure the painting she gave me as a farewell gift. The two other Elders we spent a good deal of time with, Agnes and Bridget, are very special. They performed, with Miriam Rose, the Welcome to Country we experienced. It was wonderful listening to Miriam’s husband Ken - he is a treasure trove of information and stories about the country. And there were so many other people with whom I enjoyed spending time. I’m terrible with names, but they know who they are. Two of the people I will never forget are Miriam’s nephew Troy (a brilliant artist) and Dylan (of the film ‘Australia’ fame, and a talented musician). Time slowed right down in Nauiyu, which was really great! I found myself reflecting a lot. And I found a peace, which I had not felt in a long time. The ceremonial dance the young boys performed for us was really special. And it was great fun trying to do the dance, hearing the women behind us laughing loudly (mainly at me). When I saw them afterwards and said, “So you thought that was funny, eh?”, they all burst out laughing. There were lots of other highlights during our time in Nauiyu. Visiting the school and purchasing the pupils’ paintings. Visiting the church and seeing so many examples of Miriam’s artistic talents. Watching game after game of football at the festival, seeing so many talented players and watching the vocal supporters of different communities. Laughing and joking with local youngsters, and watching them respond to their inspirational Kiwi football coach. Watching the basketball. Visiting the Merrepen arts gallery. Yarning with the locals. And listening to the beautiful music of Larrakia man Ash Dargan, who visited us from Darwin, whether he was playing didgeridoo, flute (he had different types), drums or guitar. I’d like to focus on all the positives, but I cannot ignore one very strong negative that permeates life in Nauiyu. The community has been badly affected by the 2007 Intervention, as well as changes produced by the state government, as Miriam and former Northern Territory chief minister Clare Martin describe on another page of this website. The community has lost all rights to make decisions about itself. All power has been diverted to people outside the community. Jobs have all but disappeared, particularly in housing maintenance. The quality of workmanship has been reduced, since outsiders have been brought in to replace local workers. The store, fuel outlet and job services are run by outsiders. There are no opportunities for local young people. I could go on. I feel sickened by the paternalistic and racist attitudes of the federal and state governments. And yet the people I spoke to did not express anger, despite the negative impact that the outside world is having on the community. They want things to change and they are doing the best they can to minimise adverse effects. I was deeply saddened to hear one person say that they felt that they could not speak out to the popular media because their words would be twisted and they would be made to look like a fool. They felt that the community would suffer from their speaking out. What sort of country are we living in? This visit was not the time to collect and disseminate the stories. That time will come in the future. The outside world needs to know what is happening. I did not know what is happening until I read Clare Martin’s article and I think the vast majority of Australians do not know. Some of them will care. For now, I have memories of a beautiful people, of happy and smiling faces. And I know that I had a spiritual experience that will have a long impact on me. And I know that I must go back soon. |