The Land Owns Us

Summary

The speaker from Moody Jeweler shares a personal narrative of being part of 'The Stolen Generation,' highlighting the deep connection between Indigenous people and the land. They describe a way of life where the land nurtures all life, and the concept of land ownership is reversed, with the land owning the people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of community and unconditional love, known as 'gun Nene,' and the inclusiveness of all living things as family. This profound sense of oneness and belonging brings a sense of completeness and contentment that cannot be replaced.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The speaker was taken away from their home by the police during childhood, which is a reference to the Stolen Generations in Australia.
• 🌿 The concept of living 'on the land' is described as a natural way of life, where people are part of the environment rather than separate from it.
• 🔗 The idea of 'oneness' is central, connecting all living things and emphasizing the interdependence of life.
• 📚 The speaker was raised with teachings that emphasize the relationship between people and the land, and the importance of community.
• 🏞 The land is viewed as the owner of the people, rather than people owning the land, reflecting a deep respect and connection to the land.
• 👵 The concept of 'granny law' suggests a lineage of responsibility passed down through generations to care for the land and community.
• 💖 The term 'gun Nene' refers to community caring with unconditional love and responsibility for all aspects of life.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The feeling of family and belonging is extended to all living things, creating a sense of unity and non-loneliness.
• 🌳 The environment is described as being filled with family members, from the ground to the sky, including trees, clouds, birds, and animals.
• 🍲 The cycle of life is acknowledged, where animals can be a source of food and also become food themselves, part of a natural ecosystem.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude for their way of life, considering it a blessing and something they would not trade for anything else.

Q & A

What is the significance of the location where the narrator was taken by the police?

The location is significant as it is near the home of the narrator's hand sisters and is associated with the historical event referred to as The Stolen Generation, where children were taken from their families.

What does the narrator mean by 'Bush living'?

'Bush living' refers to the traditional way of life for the Aboriginal people, living in harmony with the land and its resources, without the concept of land ownership as understood in Western cultures.

How does the narrator describe the concept of land ownership in their culture?

In the narrator's culture, land ownership is viewed differently; they believe that the land owns them, not the other way around. The land is seen as nurturing and providing for them, and they have a deep connection to it.

What is the term 'Gun Nene' and what does it represent in the narrator's culture?

'Gun Nene' represents community caring in the narrator's culture. It is about caring for the land, one's family, and everything around them with unconditional love and responsibility.

How does the narrator explain the concept of 'oneness' in their culture?

The concept of 'oneness' in the narrator's culture includes everything around them, recognizing a deep interconnectedness between all living things and the land. It is a belief in the completeness and unity of life.

What responsibility does the narrator feel towards the land and their community?

The narrator feels a strong responsibility, as passed down by their ancestors, to care for the land and their community. This is referred to as 'Gun Nene' and involves caring for everything around them with love and responsibility.

How does the narrator describe the relationship between the people and the land in their culture?

The narrator describes the relationship as one where the land is the provider and nurturer. People are taught from childhood to respect and care for the land, as it is the source of life and the foundation of their existence.

What does the narrator mean when they say 'the granny law'?

The 'granny law' refers to the traditional teachings and responsibilities passed down from the narrator's ancestors, particularly the elders, which include the duty to care for the land and community.

How does the narrator view the experience of growing up with this understanding of the land and community?

The narrator views it as a beautiful way of being, where they never felt lonely because everything around them was considered family. This understanding brings a sense of completeness and belonging.

What emotions or feelings does the narrator associate with their cultural beliefs and practices?

The narrator associates feelings of completeness, unity, and a deep sense of belonging with their cultural beliefs and practices. They describe it as a beautiful feeling that they would not exchange for anything else.

How does the narrator's perspective on life and the environment differ from mainstream views?

The narrator's perspective is rooted in a deep spiritual and emotional connection with the land and all living things, emphasizing a sense of oneness and responsibility that contrasts with mainstream views that may prioritize individualism and land ownership.