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Post by Tamrin on Nov 3, 2011 6:57:48 GMT 10
We Are Going
by Oodgeroo Noonuccal(Born this day 1920) They came in to the little town A semi-naked band subdued and silent All that remained of their tribe. They came here to the place of their old bora ground Where now the many white men hurry about like ants. Notice of the estate agent reads: 'Rubbish May Be Tipped Here'. Now it half covers the traces of the old bora ring. 'We are as strangers here now, but the white tribe are the strangers. We belong here, we are of the old ways. We are the corroboree and the bora ground, We are the old ceremonies, the laws of the elders. We are the wonder tales of Dream Time, the tribal legends told. We are the past, the hunts and the laughing games, the wandering camp fires. We are the lightening bolt over Gaphembah Hill Quick and terrible, And the Thunderer after him, that loud fellow. We are the quiet daybreak paling the dark lagoon. We are the shadow-ghosts creeping back as the camp fires burn low. We are nature and the past, all the old ways Gone now and scattered. The scrubs are gone, the hunting and the laughter. The eagle is gone, the emu and the kangaroo are gone from this place. The bora ring is gone. The corroboree is gone. And we are going.
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Post by hrafn9 on Nov 4, 2011 22:04:11 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Nov 5, 2011 6:55:01 GMT 10
Thanks Bro. Leon,I have made a general study of the topic and while I have found no articles on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander involvement in Masonry, as such, there are a number on curious parallels between Aboriginal and Masonic customs and usages: See Australian Aboriginal Traditions, here under "Featured Themes." One reason for the apparent lack of such articles may be that Freemasonry, as such, does not discriminate on the basis of race and hence no formal record would be taken of such origins. Even so, it is odd I have been unable to find any informal accounts of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander members. For whats it's worth, I am fairly certain my heritage is part Aboriginal.
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Post by hrafn9 on Nov 19, 2011 22:33:46 GMT 10
It is a fascinating topic, when I have some time I will check the grand lodge library and see if anything comes up. I wonder if any GL's in Australia have a reconciliation action plan? Many NGOs are getting them. I've helped with various Stolen Generation publications, very sad. And I make sure that I get one of these www.kimberleystolengeneration.com.au/flower.htmlThat is interesting about your background. Have you had a search in BDM records? cheers, Leon
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Post by Tamrin on Nov 20, 2011 19:27:08 GMT 10
That is interesting about your background. Have you had a search in BDM records? I quickly came to a dead end on my mother's side.
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