Genelle spoke in church on Sunday morning about her time in the book club, and kindly gave us permission to reproduce her speaking notes here:
I have been asked to reflect today on my journey – understanding – why or how I have come to believe what I do.
This was a confronting and difficult ask as I have to try and express how, over nearly three years, my views and belief systems have evolved into a more, deeper appreciation of our First Nations brothers and sisters, their reasons for demanding to be heard and respected as citizens in their own country.
My journey started with being interested in a book club that was started, to understand First Nations in this country and our history. With the Voice Referendum being on the horizon in 2023, this was the catalyst for this much needed learning.
As alluded last week by John, we started with Dark Emu written by Bruce Pascoe. Whether you believe every word written or not, it was compelling to read extracts from journals of our early explorers of land that was cleared and tilled for management of agricultural production, of irrigation systems and fishing traps – the ingenuity of these systems that allowed allotments along a river for the different tribes, housing and a myriad of other mind-awakening facts.
And reading Henry Reynolds book “Truth Telling” which shared the history of modern Australia and how the taking and possession of this land from the very beginning went against the current international law of the time – one biggie – making treaty with the indigenous peoples.
Reading these and many other books both non-fiction and fictional, poems, listening to podcasts, documentaries and a myriad of other resources, have brought the voices of indigenous folk into my thinking; edifying their words, feelings, ideas, beliefs – what it means to be of the land, indigenous – of a proud, ancient peoples, gifted with deep roots, longing and more importantly, generously wanting for us – the second peoples, to appreciate and be a part of the journey with them – respecting the land and what it has to offer.
It has also ensured I have a good understanding of why the deep hurt, mistrust and disrespect, a lot of first nations people have with colonial Australia – the way historically, people were hunted, massacred, dispossessed from their cultural and hunting lands with an awareness of each tribe having their own areas for which they were responsible; different languages, laws and lore (being the body of traditions and knowledge passed from person to person by word of mouth) all being disrupted and completely wiped out in some cases.
Today, modern story tellers such as Anita Heiss (who is descended from the Wiradyuri nation on her mother’s side, her father being Austrian) who is a successful author and passionate advocate for Aboriginal literacy but still has to explain: what
is means to be Aboriginal?
She wonders: why is Australia so obsessed with notions of identity. In her book “Am I Black enough for you?” she explains the development of her activist consciousness, how she strives to be happy and healthy, and the work she undertakes every day to ensure the world she leaves behind, will be a more equitable and understanding one, than it is today.
Reading her book helps me understand the different journeys Aboriginal people are on and the various ways they live out their cultures.
I was also involved in (pre-Referendum “Together, Yes”) Kitchen Table discussions here at the church in which we were given very clear, anecdotal time-line of facts which included massacres; stolen generations, of aboriginal activism from as early as the late 1800’s, of indigenous folk being educated, of petitioning, of travelling the country for equal rights, to be included in the constitution, of being seen – and still, not being heard.
These church-based initiatives together with our relationship with Common Grace, engaging with (Engadine Catholic Church) St John Bosco’s Social Justice group and other interested community people, have allowed me to appreciate and think more deeply, with sincerity of heart in wanting to learn and be more engaged in bringing about change to the very real ignorance in our society.
The absurd beliefs of some Australians of what it means to be aboriginal is an abhorrent stain in our society which I fear our media and social content commentators allow to flourish. There does need to be the quiet but strong voice of both first and 2 nd nations people walking beside the other – to continually educate, understand, advocate and speak out against untruths.
During the lead up to the Referendum, I aligned myself with interest groups through LinkedIn such as Aunty Munya Andrews who is a Barrister, Cultural educator and author. She is involved with the organisation “Evolve Communities” which was
created to develop “second nations” peoples’ confidence as an ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through free resources and webinars.
I had also previously been donating to “Community First Development” which is a First-Nations-led community development and research organisation. With their pledge to back the aspirations of first nations people through community led solutions. They, together often with Allies, work with 100’s of communities across Australia with a top priority of providing community development expertise and access to cross-industry specialised skills. This approach to working with First Nations communities is based on self-determination. It is intergenerational, revitalizing culture and drawing on wise and land-based practices.
Looking through a more informed lens, I am amazed at the number of young indigenous advocates. Many seem to be more angry, less conciliating than their older Elders who have shown great patience and resilience in the face of white
Australia’s sometimes genuine understanding but also its about-face depending on the political climate of the time. Yet whether young and fiery, or disciplined and patient – with determination, their voices will not be quietened and I for one, will
continue to encourage and walk beside, wherever possible.
Yesterday afternoon David and I enjoyed sharing a Cultural Sunset event at Burnum Burnum Reserve with our 3 year old grand-daughter. It is exciting to share with the next generation; belief and values you want them to appreciate.
This is one thing we can do – to bring into the light, the indigenous story – having that as part of our Australian story; one that is normalized – of who we are as Australians.
Thank you.
Genelle.
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