Ramingining Christian Rally, June 1997

This is a small part of video material shot at a Christian Rally at Ramingining community in 1997. It shows a side of Aboriginal life not often seen, and might not exactly be what seekers of 'untouched culture' expect to find in Arnhem Land. Yet Christianity is a strong element running through the lives of Aboriginal people in much of Arnhem Land, as you will observe in this clip.

This was a combined rally, with Yolngu from Milingimbi, Elcho Island, and Gove participating, as well as Ramingining locals.

Ronnie Barramala gives a little talk half-way through this clip. Ronnie is a bright young leader fluent in many languages of Arnhem Land, in addition to full competency in English. An amazing bloke with a ton to contribute.

Watching this clip brings back a lot of memories, of the generosity of families, of friends now passed to the other world, of the warmth and love shown to me by some many people. Makes me feel sad watching this one...

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• raminigining
• rally
• milingimbi
• elcho
• island
• yirrkala
• gove
• yolngu
• christian
• arnhem
• land
• mission
• christ
• god
• jesus

[Spocko000]

They chose it? Or they were brought up in christian families because their parents or grand parents were forced to be christian under government assimilationist policy?

[ididjaustralia]

Mission work and government policy were two different things. And as far as force is concerned, I don't know that that existed in Arnhem Land, not in the conversion to Christianity. But I fully understand that the sole reason for missionary work was and still is to spread the reach/influence of the gospel.

[Spocko000]

its just evidence of indigenous culture that has been over-written by christian missionaries.

[ididjaustralia]

True in a sense, though Aboriginal people today choose this way of life. I'm agnostic by the way, I'm not trying to push the Christian view.

[joenotkickass]

People need to know also that these 'Christians' that forced the Aboriginal communities to converge, where not true Christians and are going to rot in hell. It was not and is not the will of God to force it, its all about freedom and choice.

[Bita60]

I remember going hunting in that yellow ute !