In this presentation, Aboriginal Elder Miriam Rose welcomes the audience to the Daily River region, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land. She shares her personal connection to the land and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to live there. Miriam Rose discusses her upbringing, including being raised by her uncle, who was a police tracker, and her journey into education. She emphasizes the importance of art and culture in education and the role of storytelling in Aboriginal traditions. Miriam Rose also talks about the Miriam Rose Foundation, which she established to support young people in the community. She shares the challenges faced by the community, including the loss of young lives to suicide, and highlights the significance of walking together and understanding each other's cultures. Miriam Rose discusses her faith, the role of spirituality in her life, and the concept of Didi (deep listening) in Aboriginal spirituality. She expresses the need for greater understanding and dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from each other. Miriam Rose concludes by discussing her role as an elder and the ongoing responsibility to support and guide the community.
Overall, Miriam Rose's presentation highlights the importance of culture, education, spirituality, and connection to the land in the lives of Aboriginal people. She emphasizes the need for mutual understanding and respect between different cultures and the significance of preserving and passing on traditional knowledge to future generations. Miriam Rose's work as an educator, advocate, and community leader exemplifies her commitment to creating a better future for Aboriginal youth and fostering reconciliation in Australia.
