I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri people. This column is dedicated to those who have gone before us, to those present and to those who will follow us.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As NAIDOC fast approaches us again I take this opportunity to advise you on what this year’s theme is all about.
Aboriginal songlines are the highlight for this year’s celebration. Songlines incorporate places, things, people and time. From birramal dhal (bush tucker) to scar trees, to water holes, bila (rivers) and dharran (creeks) balugan (animals) and special places all form part of our amazing Wiradjuri songlines.
Madhu murru (many journey) pathways that Wiradjuri walk are now integral with our modern roads and highways. Our old well beaten murru (pathways/journey) were followed by early squatters and visitors to ngaligin-gu ngurambang (our country) as our roadway systems were the best way to get around our garray (land).
In America a bill has just been past that also commemorates the early roadways of the native Indian mobs. This next is a post from the Huron Daily Tribune from June 8, 2016.
“A bill going to Gov Rick Snyder for his signature would require the state to implement a plan to promote and preserve Native American history. The legislation would allow the Department of Natural Resources to provide signs and recognition of places significant to the history of Native Americans, including along trails in the Statewide Trail Network.”
“Some of the trails once were used by Native Americans for transportation and trade, and became the foundation for some of Michigan's first highways. The bill won unanimous approval from the Senate on Tuesday.”
It would appear that Michigan, in the US, have come to understand that what we have today is because of what was cared for yesterday. Do we wudhagarbinya (listen) here in Australia?
The theme of NAIDOC this year, songlines, gives all Australians the chance to yalbilinya (learn) from and Yindyamarra (respect) the oldest culture on the planet and even perhaps the universe. Wiradjuri mayiny (people) have yanhanha (walked) and cared for ngaligin-gu gunhi dhaagun (our mother earth) for thousands of years. It has really only been in recent times that mayiny wudhagarbinya (people listen) to what we have been quietly saying ... “To survive we need to care for garray-bu mayiny (land and people).”
Songlines are just as relevant dhalang (today) as much as they were yesterday. Songlines connect mayiny-gu garray (people to land).
Songlines are just as visible as they are invisible.
This year’s NAIDOC week, July 3 to 10, take your family to one of the madhu (many) events that will happen in your area. Take time to yalbilinya-bu yindyamarra (learn and respect).
For more learning and sharing go to my community Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WiradjuriMob.