Last Saturday morning, I was privileged to attend a Noongar Smoking Ceremony at Fremantle Round House. It was a very moving occasion.
The Smoking Ceremony was to commence the healing of the spirits of those Aboriginal people who were captured and imprisoned on Rottnest Island (Wandjemup). It was part of a day long celebration of events that Fremantle put on as an alternative to the Australia Day celebrations. The celebrations on 26th January offend many Aboriginal people - they consider this day to be Invasion Day. Many non-Aboriginal people, including myself, believe that the date of Australia Day should be changed.
Well done to Robert and Selina Eggington of Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation, and all other people involved in putting on this event. You can check out more photographs on Robert's Facebook page or through Wendy Slee's page. Awesome photos, Wendy! Also check out the SBS TV coverage here.
As you can see, I'm now back in Perth after a long trip to see my children in the UK. I've actually been back a few weeks, but been very busy working on our Revel project. The time that I am spending on this project means that I will not be able to blog as much as I have previously done some months ago. My sincere apologies. I'll certainly keep you informed of progress on the Revel project.
The Smoking Ceremony was to commence the healing of the spirits of those Aboriginal people who were captured and imprisoned on Rottnest Island (Wandjemup). It was part of a day long celebration of events that Fremantle put on as an alternative to the Australia Day celebrations. The celebrations on 26th January offend many Aboriginal people - they consider this day to be Invasion Day. Many non-Aboriginal people, including myself, believe that the date of Australia Day should be changed.
Well done to Robert and Selina Eggington of Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation, and all other people involved in putting on this event. You can check out more photographs on Robert's Facebook page or through Wendy Slee's page. Awesome photos, Wendy! Also check out the SBS TV coverage here.
As you can see, I'm now back in Perth after a long trip to see my children in the UK. I've actually been back a few weeks, but been very busy working on our Revel project. The time that I am spending on this project means that I will not be able to blog as much as I have previously done some months ago. My sincere apologies. I'll certainly keep you informed of progress on the Revel project.
