I was struck by a phrase in an interview (my emphasis) with an Australian woman:
I grew up on Bunuba country, which became a pastoral property when colonisation came into the Kimberley … The land itself is country that we and our generations of families going back to time immemorial have occupied. We hold the stories and the knowledges of that country.
Via: June Oscar on First Nations gender justice - A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard, Season 6, Ep. 17, November 21, 2024.
Martin Feld A powerful quote! It’s absolutely true in Australia (like elsewhere) that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have much more intimate knowledge of Country than more recent invaders, settlers and migrants have. Songlines are simply paved.
Elizabeth yup. There are stories here too of tribes maintaining deep connection (and communication) with the land, especially mountains and volcanoes. What a privilege to be invited into those conversations… but you’ve made me think I should start listening to podcasts again.