Memories are always personal. The same event can evoke different memories. The externals which are visible depend on the angle of vision. The internal ‘reasons why’ are hidden except to those who are part of a system. The consequences touch the lives of many, directly or indirectly and are passed on to future generations.
Life changing events are new beginnings for some, opening up possibilities and are oppression and failure for others. There are always Winners and Losers and those who are untouched.
Gaps are created. Ideology versus Control and the gaps become wider always creating a “them” and “us” defined by race and nationality, by religious beliefs, by economic status, by access to education. The Rich and Poor, the Powerful and the Oppressed coexist. Each part carries its own history of land, of freedom, of power, of indigency, of dependence, independence and interdependence.
As Australians, after the failure of the referendum to give a Voice to our indigenous people, we are being invited to retell our story listening to the different voices, having a wider lens which captures the whole picture of the voices of all who have been part of this story rather than accepting as the Truth the story told by the invaders who are now the holders of power.
For most of us we have heard the history based on an unjust claim that a flag could take possession of a land with a long history of a people with a rich culture of relationship with this land. The taking possession in the name of “THE CROWN” – the beginning of a story of the rule of might – a system of Law denying even the existence of the indigenous people, creating a truncated history cut off from the original Roots.
Successive waves of immigrant peoples struggle to find a common identity. A land rich in resources, a land with access to education, claim to have opportunity for all. Yet living with strong prejudices: the “Original” the “Old”, the “New Refugees” and “Asylum Seekers”…
Intermingled, yet defined by colour, features, history, ideologies and beliefs.
The impossible Dream? Or, our common destiny to be achieved by the spirit of cooperation. A Call to listen to the voice of the indigenous people, share their knowledge of land and their relationship of reverence, respect and care.
We are called to be Voices which speak against the rights of the powerful to destroy the land and maintain the chains of bondage which are crying to be set free so we can truly say of Land and People,
We are one. We are many. We are free.
Mary McInerney has been an Australian RNDM for more than sixty years with experience of mission in education in Australia, member of General Council for twelve years and mission in Kenya. Now living in Melbourne, she is involved in archival work for the Province and has enjoyed opportunities to share her RNDM experience and knowledge of our Constitutions through various on-line programmes.
Thank you for fully describing the plight of the Indigenous of Australia. It is so similar to that of the Canadian Indigenous as well. We have a long road ahead of us in terms of reconciliation.