Bring On The Ceremonies

Earlier this year our Indigenous people demonstrated great leadership in being proactive re the appalling state of the Murray and Darling River systems. Over allocation of irrigation water, questionable water management practices and prolonged severe drought had combined to threaten entire eco systems along the length and breadth of the two great rivers and their tributaries.

For more information on the plight of the wetlands at the mouth of the Murray River see www.lakesneedwater.org

While farmers went broke, or sold their water licences to foreign investors to pay off the bank, whole communities along the rivers were dying. Everyone waited for politicians of all persuasions, or any persuasion, to demonstrate leadership.

Then up to the plate stepped some Indigenous leaders who called for ceremonies the entire length of the catchments. And boy did they ever hit a home run! The results speak for themselves. Both the Murray and the Darling Rivers have been in flood in recent weeks. The wonderful website www.murrundi.org explains the need for ceremony and is a great source of information.

Do you recall the theme of the New Zealand film Whale Rider? The leaders we are seeking are already among us. Ain't that the truth.

Our Indigenous people have a sixty thousand year wisdom tradition and understand well that good science backs the power of ceremony and sacred song. (See blog Feb 13 2009 for more on the power of Indigenous ceremony.)

So I am very grateful for their leadership which has guaranteed a joyful return to health for these river systems, the lifeblood of this ancient country.

Bring on the ceremonies. Bring on the songs. Bring on the stories. Our beautiful planet and all her peoples needs all the help they can get.

From little things big things grow...