"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have endured similar conditions that you may have. We are still challenged from the history of colonisation and displacement of country in our own lands. Sadly for us this is celebrated as Australia Day, we know it as Invasion or Survival Day. We are healing, changing, progressing and learning about our strengths as much as you have to."
First Day. Womenjika Welcome.
Arweet Carolyn Briggs is an elder of the Boonwurrung nation, the land of the two bays that surround Melbourne city.
Aunty Carolyn is a cultural advisor and historian for her people and welcomes new citizens to Australia during their citizenship ceremonies.
In her Welcome Womenjika she asks that you make a commitment to the law of the people and creator by respecting three things: the land, the waterways and the Children of the creator.
This law connects you to the country and with that respects you.
Arweet Carolyn Briggs is the Director of the Boonwurrung Foundation.
Auntie Carolyn´s welcome 2016 (quotes)
“As a descendant of Melbourne's First Peoples, I welcome you.”
“We should all acknowledge the sacred ground on which we stand and this place here is a host to many people from different nations. And we call upon them to continue respect sacred ground by understanding the history and the heritage of the First Peoples.”
“And today it is my hope that we can all take pride in our shared history and celebrate this great nation of ours in a positive, constructive welcoming, sharing the spirit, and also recognising the diversities and the diversities that you bring to this beautiful country.”
“Our creator taught us to always welcome guests. But we require all guests to make a number of promises:
- not to harm the land
- not harm the waters
- not harm the children”
“It's a commitment of our law structure that maintain our integrity as First Peoples of this land.”
“We welcome you and we celebrate you, and we celebrate your journey to this amazing country (...) after all the struggles you had to go through in your own country and survival. It's about survival, it's about adaption, it's about celebration.”
“And you are the new life on our land and we have a responsibility to ensure your safety.”
