Visiting Nyinyikay, N.E. Arnhem Land, Australia.
Posted by Tove Bowman
on Apr 25, 2012
Rev. Dr. Paul Owen spoke about the unforgettable experiences he encountered visiting the Australian Aboriginees in Nyinyikay, N.E. Arnhem Land, in Australia.
Paul went on a 'World Experiences' Arnhem Land Marine Rescue Project. Ocean currents between N. E. Australia and Indonesia send trash, thrown overboard from fishing vessels and cruise ships, onto the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, endangering marine life, turtles in particular.
Having made a generous donation towards this project, Paul was invited to stay as guest with a family at Nyinyikay where he learned about the Yolngu culture. Here he spent two unforgettable days with the women and children learning about women's business; stories and history; plants used for bush medicine and food; weaving; painting and other handcraft. The men shared their history and took him on a spear fishing trip and dug for turtle eggs. Paul got to taste his first raw turtle egg, (and probably the last). The fishing took place in shallow water. Men walked in water up to their knees, only, because of the presence of salt water crocodiles. Paul was not successful playing the digareedo - but had more luck swimming. He swam in 'crock' infested water, totally unaware of the warning sign. He brought home a souvenir sign...
After witnessing the Yolngu people's deep spiritual connection with all living things, the cleaning up of marine debris started. Over three days, 1.5 tons of rubbish was collected. Drift nets were dug and pulled out of the sand with the help of a truck.
Paul was 'gobsmacked' (amazed) by the complexity of the Yolngu culture, and highly recommends this adventure.
I thank you for this most interesting presentation, and for sharing your insight of the Australian Aboriginees with us. THANKS.
Paul went on a 'World Experiences' Arnhem Land Marine Rescue Project. Ocean currents between N. E. Australia and Indonesia send trash, thrown overboard from fishing vessels and cruise ships, onto the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, endangering marine life, turtles in particular.
Having made a generous donation towards this project, Paul was invited to stay as guest with a family at Nyinyikay where he learned about the Yolngu culture. Here he spent two unforgettable days with the women and children learning about women's business; stories and history; plants used for bush medicine and food; weaving; painting and other handcraft. The men shared their history and took him on a spear fishing trip and dug for turtle eggs. Paul got to taste his first raw turtle egg, (and probably the last). The fishing took place in shallow water. Men walked in water up to their knees, only, because of the presence of salt water crocodiles. Paul was not successful playing the digareedo - but had more luck swimming. He swam in 'crock' infested water, totally unaware of the warning sign. He brought home a souvenir sign...
After witnessing the Yolngu people's deep spiritual connection with all living things, the cleaning up of marine debris started. Over three days, 1.5 tons of rubbish was collected. Drift nets were dug and pulled out of the sand with the help of a truck.
Paul was 'gobsmacked' (amazed) by the complexity of the Yolngu culture, and highly recommends this adventure.
I thank you for this most interesting presentation, and for sharing your insight of the Australian Aboriginees with us. THANKS.
