For Our Elders
For Our Elders
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
I have just finished reading The Queen is Dead by Stan Grant. It is one of those books that stays with you after you finish reading it. Grant is coming to terms with the complex legacy we inherit from the generations before us.
He writes of his family history and the love that has shaped who he is. Stan finds powerful companions in the Country he belongs to, the trees and rivers of Wiradjuri land, and in his language. His Christian faith, shaped by the church he grew up in and the Aboriginal pastors who preached and ministered, also profoundly impacted him.
Stan writes of the racism that has impacted his family and the way anger and a deep sadness are also part of his inheritance. In an interview with Scott Stephens, Stan unpacks his motivation for writing this compelling and challenging book.
The legacy of past generations is present throughout the Bible. When Moses comes face-to-face with God and asks God’s name, God replies: “I AM WHO I AM . . . the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob . . .” (Exodus 3: 14-16)
In the reading set for this week (Genesis 18: 1-15), we are taken into the home of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham is sitting outside the tent, “near the great trees of Mamre,” when the Lord visits him in the form of three strangers. Abraham is quick to offer hospitality. The strangers reveal the news to Abraham and his wife Sarah, both of whom are advanced in age, that they will conceive a child and, thus, the promise of descendants is assured. The story that unfolds throughout the rest of Genesis contains blessing, providence, rivalry, cruelty, intrigue, and subterfuge. Grappling with the legacy of God’s faithfulness amid human frailties and failings is part of our inheritance.
NAIDOC Week ‘For Our Elders’
2–9 July
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous-living cultures on earth. Whether you are in Canberra or visiting other places in the holidays, check out what is happening for NAIDOC Week.
Here are just a few of the NAIDOC Week events taking place in Canberra:
Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist - born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland - is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023 with her entry, For Our Elders. Bobbi writes about the inheritance that is shared from one generation to the next:
“Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.”
Dirrum Dirrum Festival
Saturday, 12 August, 4-9 pm
Save the date for this year’s Dirrum Dirrum Festival! It promises to be a fantastic night of speakers, music, and food. We are looking forward to welcoming Brenda Matthews whose film The Last Daughter is currently playing at Dendy and Palace cinemas.
May the upcoming break be refreshing, fun and full of connection.