27th May 2011 - 11:45pm
This week we've had to say goodbye to one of the most loved and well-respected members of Ramingining community.
He was an Indigenous member of the East Arnhem Shire Council (who Ben works for), and was the Head of the School Council. But I remember meeting him and his wife Miya on my first day in Ramingining and feeling completely welcome. He had a big friendly voice, and a huge white-teethed smile. Miya is beautiful too, and as the cultural advisor at the school, I see her most days. She always greets me with 'hello Helen'. For the first few weeks she checked if she was getting my name right, and I corrected her. But now it just feels normal that she calls me Helen. I really don't know how the community will manage without him. Although not a traditional owner of the land, he was a figurehead for the community, pushing for anything and everything in the interests of the community. We've talked to the Year 11 and 12s about being the next leaders of the community, and now they're going to have to make that big step up.
He passed away Wednesday night after not feeling quite right for the last few weeks. He went to a Council meeting in Jabiru, but flew home early because he was not feeling well. The clinic gave him the all clear to fly, and he made it home - just. From what I've heard, he passed away not long after arriving back at his home. I really do feel that sometimes people know that they're dying, and have the power to hold off until they're with their family. And he did just that.
Out of respect for his family, the school was closed yesterday. There was a staff briefing to tell those who were not aware of the situation, and I've never seen a group of people looking so drained before. School was meant to be back on again today, but in the staff briefing, the Principal said that the smoking ceremony had not occurred yesterday, so we had to wait with the students (those who had come to school) on the basketball courts until it was done.
I was so honoured to have the chance to take part in the ceremony. The high school boys were asked by Linda (an Indigenous lady who works at the school, and is also Ben's adopted auntie) to collect the branches and bark for the fire. The girls were allowed to help collect the bark, but only the boys could do the ceremony. Some other family members and men from the community also came along for the ceremony.
They lit the fire in the middle of the school grounds, and we all had to gather around, females on the right, males on the left. The men were jumping and singing, and the ladies were swaying and saying 'yo' I think, which means yes. Then the boys took smoking branches of leaves and used them to hit all of the entrances to the buildings of the school, and then ran through the buildings doing the same. The smoking is meant to get rid of the spirits I think. Then we all had to take a small piece of branch and use it to hit both sides of our chest. Then the Indigenous men and women came around with the branches and did the same to our shoulders and backs.
It was a really emotional experience to be part of. No-one was crying, although I certainly felt a tear in my eye. It's the most amazing ritual, and I felt really special to be included. The funeral is likely to take place over the next few weeks, and hopefully I'll be able to experience that as well.
*I haven't mentioned his name is respect of the community's tradition.
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