We Not Strangers or Visitors

First Nations peoples connecting           to land they are not strangers or visitors.

Yamaji nyinayugundi

Old ground our country           with ancient ones deep within

Winja barna 

I think all the time about minding          this land for the next generation.

Nganggurnmanha 

Their energy and sweat is in them rocks          their heart is in them rocks

Gudurdu yabu

The Yamaji architects with the clay and mud huts          Placed on the same land pre settler’s time.

Mintha Jirraminda

Young teachings perched on Walkaway hill          Space reclaiming, decolonising, respacing.

Miyarnuwimanha 

There cannot be masterclass in amnesia          We must continue to remember.

Waji gurlgardayimanha 

This land is old your ancestors’ spirits          Will protect you because they remember all.

Nganggurnmanha

The land has strong rich stories          Imprinted all over its face. 

Malga barna 

The color of connection to our old people can look like the long dusty road red dirt road heading bush.