I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri people. This column is dedicated to those who have gone before us, to those present and to those who will follow us.
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ON DECEMBER 28, 1890, native American Lakota Sioux Indians met at a place called "Wounded Knee Creek" to dance a special Ghost Dance that they hoped would bring peace to their people and land.
December 29, 1890 about 300 were murdered by US military troops whilst doing that Ghost Dance.
On December 28, 1824, 66 years earlier than the Wounded Knee Massacre, Wiradjuri leader, Windradyne and other Wiradjuri people, visited Burramutta (Parramatta) and met with Governor Thomas Brisbane to have discussions about peace in our country after many massacres had occurred against Aboriginal people.
This day when Windradyne and Brisbane met not madhu mayiny (many people) know about, not many schools and children have been told this, but this date and day would make a great Australia Day, a day where two worlds met to yarra (talk) about peace and to try and end war.
My words today are not written so as to create anger or hate, they are written to provoke conversation, and understanding of what happened in the past, and to promote people like "Windradyne" who pushed very hard for peace and reconciliation nearly 200 years ago.
As another Australia Day approaches, we as Aboriginal people and other Australians as well, are still seeking and working hard for reconciliation.
As an Aboriginal person, I see the need to educate all people about Wiradjuri culture, heritage and language.
On Australia Day 2017 do we, as Aboriginal people, just turn our backs on the day and try to pretend that it is not happening, or do we try to find a way to show and educate others about the amazing culture that we have and have had for over 60,000 years.
This Australia Day I hope to be able to yarra (talk) to people at Dhuni (Junee) about Wiradjuri people and culture during their Australia Day Ceremony, then I hope to travel to Wagaan Wagaan (Wagga Wagga) to do some cultural walking tours around the city precinct.
In some small way, I may be able to open some minds to be able to start to understand more about our worlds.
Australia Day still celebrates the landing of the first fleet on this place we call gunyah (home) we as Australians need to better understand the impact of this action.
I believe that we need to find common ground on the Australia Day date so as we can all celebrate our amazing garray (land).
If we cannot wibiyanha-bu yarra-bu (sit and talk) as adults, how can we expect nagligin-gu gudha (our children) to do the same, how can we expect them to yalbilinya (learn) to bundyi (share) and to yindyamarra (respect)?
We are all colours, sizes and shapes, we live, we love, we die.
As much as we are all different, we are all the same.
