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About respect, i believe that all places of significance like this should be in government hands and accessible to all that respect it. It is my wish that myself and others are able to access places like this. Shutting it down is not respecting my beliefs or wishes.
The locals you talked to, were they of the Mala clan, or the Kunia clan.? More than likely they were from far away, just trying to make a quid out of the tourists, their information may be regarded as rubbish. The government of the tribe is in the hands of the well informed old men, not the physically active youth. It is the old men who maintain the ancient laws and decide the correct time for the performance of the rituals on which the social and philosophical life of the tribe depended. the full knowledge of the mythical past and the rights associated with it belongs to only these tribal elders. It is not the duty of a priestly class to preserve the traditional myths and their rites but a number of groups of initiated men each of whom is responsible for memorising the traditions and songs of their clan territories and transmitting them unaltered to the succeeding generations.Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigE
The initiation ceremony may seem barbaric to the European, but it is part of the essence of the clan's existence, whereby the young start their journey of knowledge , each step gaining more knowledge , leading to their becoming the well informed old men. What seems ridiculous to us, has sustained the aborigine for thousands of years. Until the coming of the European, and the Missionaries, who broke the cycle . I see mention of paint sniffers, and other such stories. I've seen it , I lived in the Territory, travelled all over it. Visited Papunya, Yuendumu, Docker River, yes there are problems, but there are also good stories. But good stories don't make the European feel superior. Sacred or not, if the owners don't want it climbed, it shouldn't be. I can't help feeling that there is a much deeper reason for this action than Uluru sites being sacred.
I certainly respect the decision of the indigenous owners but I think this is an opportunity missed to educate people to the cultural heritage of the local peoples. I am sure it goes on already in the area but there is nothing like a climb to the top under strictly controlled conditions with indigenous guides - I guess along the lines of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.
I think they have miscalculated the thoughts of the rest of the population which will reinforce some negative stereotypes. While restricting access, using this "theme park" as a learning experience would enhance cultural understanding and reconciliation (but to be honest I am not sure what reconciliation actually means as under law we are all equal and some would say some more than others) .
Garry
I vote for a cable car to be installed to take people up the rock, their feet never need touch the ruddy sacred sandstone. And a Maccas at the top too. A great money spinner, I'm sure.
O no now you have mentioned that sacred word MONEY they might even take up that thought.
what a great idea after all your not climbing OUR rock.[bigsmile]
A recent DNA test taken by my sister indicates we have aboriginal ancestry. I don't mind if you climb the rock.
That will come in handy if you want to get a job! You can now tick the yes i am aboriginal box.Quote:
Originally Posted by p38arover
I have thought of that. I'm not sure what percentage I need to qualify.
I don't need a home loan so I can't try for that.
A new Cruiser! [bigsmile]
In July 1982, I was working as a plantie for White Industries ,the company that " built" Yulara.
As an operator ,the only men to precede me on the new village site where the surveyors.
Most of us where billeted at the Inland Motel, and I mixed quite often with the Aboriginals including a man called Nipper ,(of Chamberlain 'fame' ), and it was never mentioned about the rock being of any great importance ,although Maggie Spring was a water point.
I climbed the rock probably 20 times ,jogged around it as often and also climbed Mt. Olga.
none of the Aboriginal blokes berated me , all they wanted was to swim in the pool that was built in " that proper flash place" Yulara