26th January is marked as “Australia Day” and “Invasion Day” simultaneously. A day of celebration for some and deep mourning for many. Here at the Joyality Collective, we're reflecting on the roller coaster of last year's referendum. Feeling the pain and the growth, the seismic shifts that are yielding new relationships, shared projects and processes … and we commit to keeping the fire burning. It's a moment of remembering our histories, acknowledging the changing times we're all in together now, and pondering our next steps.
In Yaegl Country, a powerful documentary film called RiverTree premiered last weekend and over a thousand people gathered atop the grassy river headland in the profound beauty of sunset. Yaegl and Yiralli (whitefellas) alike, with music and picnics, a smoking ceremony and call to celebrate and protect our sacred river Biirrinba. As Aunty Lenore Parker said,
“Freshwater, saltwater people, old and new, black and white, we are all river people. She connects us all.
We are the custodians and stewards of our great rivers. And now we must stand together all of us. Our united voices have the power to move like the river when it comes out into the ocean.''
What we loved about the film and its premiere on the hilltop, was that it was an inspiring example of centring First Nations voices amidst a diversity of other perspectives. It was a joyous, collective, creative community event ... an eye-opening and well researched documentary …. all leading up to some kick-ass activism to save our mighty river from the impacts of mining its rare minerals buried in the mountains!
Just like our Joyality mantra: stay awake! connect! and act!
* All photos: © Gary Parker, World Premiere of RiverTree, Yamba
RIVERTREE: FUTURE SCREENINGS & ACTION
Inspired by this example, as we move into 2024, we are asking how can we look to ourselves and each other … all of us who want to live good lives in a just and healthy world … and take action together with people who are most impacted and who have vital roles to play in caring for Country across Australia and the planet?
We deeply feel the relationship of Country and people, as one, and the healing and protecting of one is nested with the other.
The ties of climate change and social inequality lead us to ask, what's emerging from the lived experience of frontline communities living through the impacts of climate change and environmental destruction?
Truth, healing, creating visions for our futures together … brings us closer to Country and to one another.
Wherever you are in the world, what First Nations events, ceremonies or issues, projects and campaigns are happening near you that you can join, support or promote? How can you stand in solidarity?
On the Gold Coast, Kombumerri Traditional Owners are holding a dawn service open to the whole community to share heritage, smoking, dance … a healing gathering for us all.
All around Australia, there are healing, truth-telling, reflective events this coming weekend.
by Eshana Bragg in Yaegl Country and Sara Hicks in Kombumerri Country