Tom and Lois have jetted around Cambria and on to Perth getting to meet new and old friends and attended the conference at the ANU Campus. They toured the Botanical Gardens with Ron Goode, North Fork’s Mono Indian Tribal Leader who joined them on this trip. Also in the group was Doug and Rebecca Byrd who is the Director of Stanford University’s Anthropology Department.
Top on the agenda was a visit to the old Parliament Building in Cambria, where the continuous fire lit in the 1960’s to protest the practice of the missing aboriginal “stolen people” still burns bright! Having demanded a change to end that offense the people make sure the fire never goes out.
Ron Goode ceremoniously made a tobacco offering in the fire as a Mono tradition and each offered songs. Lois “Pish Kutu” sang the War Song and Ron Goode sang the Bear Song. Also in great company was Frank Lake, a Native American Botanist for the Forest Service. Frank also offered his song, the War Dance Song. You may see some of Frank’s work on his website: FrankLake@FS.FED.US. Lois continues to enjoy special times with her spiritual sister, Nola a Martu Native Aborigine.
Sight seeing in Free-Mantle was a must on the coast. They visited the sight of the original prison built in the 1880’s by the British to transfer detainees from England who later expanded this beautiful country. Enjoying a lovely time in the open markets, they were able to really experience the sights and sounds.
They leave very early in the morning for Martu Country in Western Australia’s Outback. They have a 12-15 hour road trip from Newman, so there will be a pause till more details come. Pictures are on the way apparently – We’ll post asap! Hopefully, I have transcribed these events correctly, I’m sure they can update me as our last communication was brief. The pictures will tell a thousand tales and after the experiences they are having I am sure this blog will light up. Please stay tuned!
The Acorn Lady 