I WOULD like to comment on last month’s Herald letter “Peculiar creatures” in which a writer has again raised the Wagyl.
I’m not concerned with the writer’s personal view, but I am concerned about continued mocking of the Wagyl.
Traditionally to Noongar, the Wagyl is creator of the universe and giver of lore, dominating the earth and sky and created waterways, country, family and knowledge.
Surely this concept would sound familiar to many of us.
It is hardly different to other cultures and religions across the world, including Islam, Christianity and the beliefs of other Indigenous peoples in other countries.
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Each has a spiritual ‘creator’, and all have practice and protocol.
Now, with the Voice Referendum upon us let’s remember that it is a heartfelt request from Aboriginal Australians (after more than a decade of discussions across Australia) asking to be heard about things that impact them.
The Voice may not be the answer to all Australia’s problems but it is a step in the right direction.
So, while the result may mean nothing to many, it means everything to some.
Don’t confuse the Federal Voice Referendum with recent publicity about the State Heritage Act and a local prosecution.
They are different.
And it’s important to remember that it was a neighbour – not Aboriginal people – who set this prosecution in motion.
But it’s Aboriginal people who are bearing the full brunt of a public backlash, including the mocking of their beliefs and culture on this page.
Aboriginal people here have never in the history of the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act chosen to raise it against any local landowners.
As for the Voice referendum, Aboriginal people are simply asking all of us to walk alongside them to help make a lasting and positive change for their future generations.
It would be a shame if those to whom the Voice didn’t matter crushed the dreams of those for whom it could mean the world.
If the Voice vote is rejected, I hope new Truth in Politics and Media laws proposed by Independent Federal MP Zali Stegall (NSW) succeed, with the Referendum providing a clear example of why such a law is so desperately needed.
Helen Shanks
Toodyay
