Watjan Homelands
Over the last few years, I have accompanied several groups of high school students on cultural immersions to remote Aboriginal homelands in the Northern Territory and South Australia.
The intention behind the immersions is to bring together people from different backgrounds, creating opportunities to share stories and experiences that can lead to growth, connection and understanding.
‘What happened to the stolen generations?’
Being far away from your everyday life, both physically and mentally, allows space for reflection and can be a bit of a reset.
In my experience, travelling to remote areas strips away the familiar. The complexity of modern life becomes simplified, and simple tasks have the time and space to stretch themselves out.
In changing places physically, the ground has been prepared for new ideas to wash over us differently.
Experiences can have a rawness to them, a different feeling supported by the landscapes you are in.
‘What does it mean to care for country?’
Connection to place and country. Shared experiences and stories, opening and re-shaping.
It’s not necessary to be taken way out of your comfort zone to learn or experience these things, but doing so brings you to a place that might not have been reached otherwise.
‘Why do people want to change the date?’
Different Country can speak to us in different ways.
And upon returning to everyday life, these embedded memories continue to influence the way we perceive the world around us.
‘When you speak of ancestors what do you mean?’
Old stories may have shifted, allowing new perspectives rise up.
Having gone on that journey we may be changed, in ever so subtle ways.
‘What do you hope for in the future?’
Thanks to Red Earth Organisation, Joe and family from Watjan Homelands, Daly River region, Northern Territory.