It’s one of those days of convergence again. I finalised an article for the local community paper – “200 words on what Christmas means to you as a local clergy person.” I rattled something off under the title that headlines this piece. Then I left to share lunch at Parliament House with about twenty folk,Continue reading “Peace is possible”
Category Archives: reconciliation
Reconciliation Journey through Mooro Country
Mooro country is that part of the Noongar country that follows a string of lakes through the western and northern suburbs of Perth and beyond to the Moore River. This afternoon a group of us met with the Northern Suburbs Reconciliation Group and took a bus tour through some of this wetland area, visiting placesContinue reading “Reconciliation Journey through Mooro Country”
Our need to know keeps us from learning so much…
Begin to care for nature and nature cares for you, in unsuspected ways – Bill Neidjie, Aboriginal elder and author of Kakadu Man. On the eve of the climax of the great angst – the PM’s announcement of the details of the Carbon Tax package – we hear more wisdom from the earth’s indigenous peoples.Continue reading “Our need to know keeps us from learning so much…”
First & Last Peoples
What is an Aboriginal view concerning asylum seekers? Ironically, while mainstream Australia quakes at the prospect of the “great invasion” by leaky boats, our first peoples (who have an outstanding and legitimate claim to having been invaded by “boat people”) are more accommodating. Here is a brilliant speech by Lowitja O’Donoghue: Return to Afghanistan: resettlementContinue reading “First & Last Peoples”
Indigenous Australians taking the next step – Eureka Street
Indigenous Australians taking the next step – Eureka Street. Continuing reflections on NAIDOC week, this article describes a personal odyssey that reminds me very much of the ‘listening journey’ myself and some others undertook in the same region three years ago. Resilience and optimism against the background of the challenges of cultural deprivation and restorationContinue reading “Indigenous Australians taking the next step – Eureka Street”
Reflections on indigenous medicine…
Failure to appreciate the importance of indigenous belief and practice lies behind the limited success of various Western health interventions in the Third World. – Cluny and La’avasa Macpherson (Samoa) So reads this morning’s offering from Native Wisdom for White Minds. As NAIDOC week unfolds I reflect on the various indigenous remedies I have used to keepContinue reading “Reflections on indigenous medicine…”
Yarning over dot painting…
… is a pathway to reconciliation, according to Don, a Noongar artist working in the NAIDOC tent in the centre of Subiaco this week. This was in response to my sharing the information that my church was working with Reconciliation Australia on a Reconciliation Action Plan. I was fascinated with the intricately patterned painting heContinue reading “Yarning over dot painting…”
The Parable of the Abattoir Wall
This story told by an Aboriginal pastor illustrates well the connection between trusting relationships and truth as described in John 14:15-21, today’s gospel reading. The Parable of the Abattoir Wall For many years, the custom in one of the abattoirs had been to paint a coat of whitewash over the bloodstains on its walls. ThisContinue reading “The Parable of the Abattoir Wall”
When saying and hearing “sorry” is hard work…
‘We need to forgive and be forgiven, every day, every hour — unceasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.’ Henri Nouwen Today is Sorry Day, which now commemorates and builds on the 2008 parliamentary apology to Australia’s indigenous people for past policies thatContinue reading “When saying and hearing “sorry” is hard work…”
Native Wisdom For White Minds
I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more. – Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekht (chief Joseph) Nez Percé American Indian Today’s offering from a neat little book of days called Native Wisdom for White Minds: daily reflections inspired by the Native Peoples of the world. (Ballantine, 1995) by Anne Wilson Schaef. Flicking through,Continue reading “Native Wisdom For White Minds”
Wondering Pilgrim 