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.
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MADHU (many) years ago, Wiradjuri mayiny (people) were forced not to talk our gunhi dhalany (mother tongue). That, and the fact that our culture was trying to be stopped, has resulted in madhu mayiny (many people) feeling hurt and disconnected from our culture, places and people.
Fortunately we have had, and continue to have, strong people in our communities who have made sure that our language and culture would survive, and in fact be re-taught and learnt. To understand someone or their culture you must be prepared to wudhagarbinya (listen) with an open ngayiny (mind) and giiny (heart).
I read this week that Wagaan Wagaan (Wagga Wagga) had an event that was called “Merging Minds” This conference spoke and discussed issues such as mental health, drugs and more. They are issues that affect everybody no matter what culture or colour you are. Being able to openly yarra (talk) about your feelings and emotions is something that some are good at and others not so good at. That leads me to my next topic.
I feel very privileged and ngurrigiilang (proud) to be able to go to many schools, large and small organisations and universities to teach and share about Wiradjuri culture, language and heritage. I try to share and bring people on a murru (journey) of discovery about the oldest mayiny-bu garray-bu (people and land) in the known universe. To be able to go to schools and pre-schools and see gudha miil (children’s eyes) open wide with amazement when they are learning about Wiradjuri is just so connecting. To be able to yarra (talk) to madhu mayiny (many people) with regards to awareness learning and understanding about Wiradjuri and Aboriginal culture sometimes can be a difficult thing to do, but if delivered in the right way and for the right reasons, I truly believe that recognition of our ngaligin-gu mayiny-bu ngurambang-bu (our people and country) can be obtained and in doing so may just help us all to move closer to reconciliation.
Ngaligin-gu mudyigaang (our elders) both past and present, have passion and love for our mayiny-bu garray-bu (people and land). I would trust that those who follow those mudyigaang (elders) can assist them and even perhaps continue their work and passion of educating those around us, educate those who are yet to understand and educate and open the miil (eyes) of those who still have their ngayiny (minds) shut.