Songlines, stories and studies
Reflections
“I have come to believe that learning about what we do not know, expanding upon what we assume we know and respecting and embracing the breadth of surviving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledges and spiritualities that pre-existed colonialism is one of the most effective ways that non-Indigenous people can influence the pathway to reconciliation,” says The Rev’d Loretta Tyler-Moss
As a newly ordained priest at the time of the referendum for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice to Parliament, I became increasingly uncomfortable with my inability to respond effectively to some community members’ comments. While I discerned that these were largely fear based or the result of misinformation, I was ill equipped to comfort or redirect them.
At this time, I had commenced a Master of Theology at St Francis College. Because I had undertaken these studies as a “hobby” I had no specific direction in mind, so when I saw the offering of the “Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality” unit I leapt at the chance to fill my information void.
It is not at all dramatic to say this was a life-changing decision. Taking the subject as an intensive was an ideal format because it provided continuity for the material that was developing around us and in us. Last year’s Adelaide intensive included people from several states, so we came with a breadth of knowledge, ignorance, assumptions and experience. While we did not live in community we learnt in community adding value to our learning with coffee breaks and lunch conversations of increasing depth and intensity across the week.
The week was a series of revelations for me. The most poignant experience was our excursion to the South Australian Museum where there is a permanent display of Aboriginal artefacts and cultural information. As I proceeded through the installations, I was awe inspired at the demonstration of complex family and kin relationships; highly developed medical practices; advanced technology; land management and harvesting; and, a deep understanding of and commitment to Country. I realised during this museum visit that I had absorbed the myth of Terra Nullius — “nobody’s land” — that was used to justify British settler-colonialism into my everyday life. A difficult confession to make, especially in a public forum.
For example, I realised that I was ignorant about the “Countries” of different “Mob” that I live and work on. While this course did not ignore the truths of the early stages of the British invasion, it was the revelation that the beauty, depth and complexity of First Nations peoples’ cultures had been subsequently broken, damaged, disregarded and overlooked that impacted me most fully.
The reading for the course, particularly Tara June Winch’s award-winning Swallow the Air, impacted me deeply, particularly in a spiritual sense. Tara June Winch’s book is quite intimate, taking the reader along with her on a journey of personal and spiritual discovery. Her account of trauma, family, exploration, disillusionment and abandonment, culminating in reconnection and restoration of relationships introduced me to what I later came to know as “songlines”. A songline is a “dreaming track” that “maps” out Country, including the location of waterholes, mountains, caves, stars and other phenomena. Her sharing of the call of Country and the embodiment of spirit were beautiful and made a profound impression on me.
I have come to believe that learning about what we do not know, expanding upon what we assume we know and respecting and embracing the breadth of surviving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledges and spiritualities that pre-existed colonialism is one of the most effective ways that non-Indigenous people can influence the pathway to reconciliation.
Taking this course is a great first step on that journey.
Author’s note: Enrolments close for Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality on Thursday, 17 July 2025. This unit will be offered by Bishop Chris McLeod, with an “intensive” run from Monday, 21 to Thursday, 24 July 2025 at St Francis College, Milton. There will be “audit” places available. For more information, contact the St Francis College registrar, Linda Burridge, on lburridge@ministryeducation.org.au.
Editor’s note: The 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week will be celebrated from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July in 2025. The NAIDOC Week theme this year is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”. Visit the NAIDOC Week website for more information and for educational resources, a “Supporting NAIDOC Toolkit” and posters, as well as to find out what events are happening and how to register your event.
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