Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
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And here I was flying back to Perth, a proud Rembarrnga man. Ready to come back as soon as I could, wanting to press on and tell the Stories of people like Miliwanga Wurrben and Margaret Katherine, and communities like Nauiyu.
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Yes, I was to have a great surprise when I reached the airport in Darwin. Miliwanga had decided to adopt me as her brother (Wawa) and had given me the skin name of Gela. I was now a Rembarrnga man of the Mirratja group, with a new sister (Yappa) and family. Miliwanga’s children are now my children, and my children are her children.
I was stunned by what Miliwanga had to say and I felt deeply honoured. I had felt so connected with Mel from the first time we met on Skype and in real life, so this felt so right. We had become close during our time together in Katherine and Barunga, and I had really fallen for her beautiful grannie Asha. Yes, it seemed so right to have a new Yappa. And here I was flying back to Perth, a proud Rembarrnga man. Ready to come back as soon as I could, wanting to press on and tell the Stories of people like Miliwanga Wurrben and Margaret Katherine, and communities like Nauiyu. It really had been a memorable trip. And I have such wonderful memories and some beautiful personal gifts. The basket that Miliwanga had weaved for me, in which I store my dreams and thoughts about the Sharing Culture project. A copy of Miliwanga’s painting, which illustrates and describes her culture. And a lovely painting from Miriam Rose, called ‘Transfiguration’. This painting reflects the work I am doing with my Indigenous friends and the changes we know will occur as a result of our efforts. This piece of art, like Miliwanga’s basket and painting, will inspire me long into the future. |