Politics · Australia · 1 day ago
Alice Springs men find connection and purpose on Country
Red Dust Role Models, a mentoring organisation for Indigenous people, brought local men together on Country outside Alice Springs.
The gathering followed the funeral of Kumanjayi Little Baby, after days of rain and grief in the town.
The men walked along songlines and gathered around a fire to talk about their lives.
Traditional owner Damien Kunoth said being on Country can help young men step away from pressures in town, including drugs, alcohol and contact with the justice system.
Young Anmatyerr man Dhandrey Hagan said racism at school had damaged his confidence and made learning and finding work harder.
He said Red Dust activities gave him more confidence and a chance to share culture and learn to care for Country.
The gathering was part of efforts to understand the issues linked to high rates of domestic, family and sexual violence in the community, without excusing that violence.
Men from Red Dust Role Models and local community leaders gathered on Country near Alice Springs to share stories and discuss their lives.
The gathering took place in the foothills of the East MacDonnell ranges, on Country associated with the Black Caterpillar Dreaming.
Traditional owner Damien Kunoth said young men should spend time on Country and take care of their homelands.
Young Anmatyerr man Dhandrey Hagan said racism at high school affected his confidence and learning.
Hagan said Red Dust activities on Country helped him feel more confident and share culture.
- Who
- Red Dust Role Models, community leaders and local men, including traditional owner Damien Kunoth and young Anmatyerr man Dhandrey Hagan.
- What
- They gathered on Country for a yarning circle and discussed their lives and the challenges facing men in the community.
- When
- After days of rain following Kumanjayi Little Baby’s funeral. The date is not stated.
- Where
- In the foothills of the East MacDonnell ranges near Alice Springs.
- Why
- The gathering aimed to help explain the challenges facing men in Alice Springs and the wider central desert region. Kunoth said time on Country could help young men care for homelands and become self-sufficient.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Too much poison is what we live today, in town where you are trapped by drugs, alcohol, police, courts and the system.
We have to get young people back on Country to take care of homelands, to be self-sufficient, to not rely on government.
When I got to high school I experienced racism and that holds you back.
I feel more confident through Red Dust and activities on Country like this because they give you that opportunity to speak and share culture.
Days of dreary rain fell over Alice Springs.
Red Dust Role Models and local men gathered in the foothills of the East MacDonnell ranges for a yarning circle.
- Organisation
- Red Dust Role Models, a non-profit mentoring organisation for Indigenous people
- Location
- Foothills of the East MacDonnell ranges near Alice Springs
- Country
- Black Caterpillar Dreaming, Tyape Utnerrengatye
- Traditional owner
- Damien Kunoth, Arrernte
- Participant
- Dhandrey Hagan, Anmatyerr
Sources
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