MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Tjupurula on June 08, 2013, 07:11:33 AM
-
Hi Swaggers
Some people have messaged me asking me to explain a couple of things, so I will try to do so.
Songs
Most of our songs are a description of the country that own us, the various locations, where water is, sacred places and caves, as well as what can or cannot be done at such locations.
Dreamings
Dreamings inform us of events that have occurred during the Dreamtime, events which often govern our lives now. Many of the Dreamings are about specific creatures, different tribes have different animal dreamings, which normally makes the animal sacred to that tribe, preventing it from being hunted or eaten. Frequently the specific animal in the Dreaming has a major breeding ground in that tribes country, allowing the animal or bird to breed safely, ensuring its continuing existence.
Corroborrees
Corroborrees are dances, that for the most part describe various animals, how they move, where they move, and what importance they have to the various clans. Different family groups also have their specific family story corroborrees, which are passed down from generation to generation, describing where people have gone walkabout to find new partners, and making sure that the country that a new partner has come from is recognised by the tribe.
Songlines
Basically songlines are territorial boundaries, informing the tribe as to where the outer boundaries of the tribal land is, making sure that tribal members hunt wihin their own territory. Songlines also tell us again which waterholes to care for and keep clean.
Spirituality
We are extremely spiritual, NOT religious. We acknowledge that our ancestors have found refuge in the trees, rocks, waterholes, caves, all aspects of nature. The ancestors guide us through the land safely, protecting us at all times, and we sing the correct songs when going through certain areas so as not to offend the ancestors When entering an ancestral cave, we always call out correctly, making sure the ancestors know it is their family looking after them.
I hope I have managed to explain a few things, allowing MySwag family to understand some culture, and giving a bit of understanding for when people travel their beautiful backyard called Australia.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Terrific explanations Tjupurula, thanks
-
Thanks Tj, informative as ever!!
-
Terrific explanations Tjupurula, thanks
You are quite welcome GeeTee
-
Thanks Tj, informative as ever!!
I hope it was worth the read Glenno.
-
Can you explain to me about the not using the first name but the last name is ok, for when someone has died please?
Foo
-
Can you explain to me about the not using the first name but the last name is ok, for when someone has died please?
Foo
Hi Foo
The last name is, as with all societies, the family name. The first name is how the person is recognised, and as we all pass into the spirit world with our ancestors, we do not want to disturb the spirit journey to join the ancestiors by calling them back. We use the term Kumuntjai, which basically means "no name", and the same term is used for others who shared the same name, or any name that is extremely close. The family name is the name of the group, not the individual.
I hope that explains it for you.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
I don't post on here much do spend a lot of time reading and learning on MySwag.
Thankyou Tjupurula for you insights, comments and teachings. They help us all learn and more importantly understand the Aboriginal heritage (I hope that came out right)
Cheers
David
-
I don't post on here much do spend a lot of time reading and learning on MySwag.
Thankyou Tjupurula for you insights, comments and teachings. They help us all learn and more importantly understand the Aboriginal heritage (I hope that came out right)
Cheers
David
Hi David
By all means they are general insights and comments, but I am by no means a teacher, I am just explaining a few things in the ways of us black fellas that people have asked me about. "Aboriginal heritage" is a fallacy in my books, this beautiful country belongs to all equally, and we are just lucky enough to belong to the country. Our culture basically comes down to our connection with the land and all within it.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Thankyou for sharing Tjupurula. Its a very interesting culture, I am about to head into the remote NT for 5 weeks working in couple of health clinics again. It is incredibly grounding to work with folks who are living a slightly modernised version of a traditional lifestyle. Hopefully I will get some hunting and fishing in with the men while I am there.
I still cannot come at some of the bush tucker though :laugh:
-
Thankyou for sharing Tjupurula. Its a very interesting culture, I am about to head into the remote NT for 5 weeks working in couple of health clinics again. It is incredibly grounding to work with folks who are living a slightly modernised version of a traditional lifestyle. Hopefully I will get some hunting and fishing in with the men while I am there.
I still cannot come at some of the bush tucker though :laugh:
That's okay GanG, it leaves more bush tucker for me.
Tjupurla
-
but I am by no means a teacher
You are teaching us, the ignorant to your peoples ways, so in my view you are and I for sure, appreciate it.
Hope it warms up in your hometown too!
David
-
Thanks Tjupurula, you may not be a teacher, but you write well and help those of us who aren't blackfellas understand a bit more. Please keep it up, I and plenty of others here are enjoying your insights.
Richard
-
Thanks Tjupurula, you may not be a teacher, but you write well and help those of us who aren't blackfellas understand a bit more. Please keep it up, I and plenty of others here are enjoying your insights.
Richard
Hi Richard
Yes, I do write well, with lot of help from Microsoft word, spell check, then copy and paste......computers are handy.
The insights are simply what have been passed down to me from my ancestors, not really mine, but good to share and allow others to understand a bit better.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Thanks for taking the the to share with us some of the meanings behind the terms.
I am sure others like myself would appreciate more posts from you like this that help us to gain further understanding and insight into your culture.
Cheers
Evo
-
Thanks for taking the the to share with us some of the meanings behind the terms.
I am sure others like myself would appreciate more posts from you like this that help us to gain further understanding and insight into your culture.
Cheers
Evo
Hi Evo
Firstly I hope your little on is doing bettr.
I really cannot explain things unless I know what people want to knw. This time I have basicall responded to a few PM's that I ws sent, and a couple of them asked the same things, so I responded in the forum. The culture is not mine, it is the culture of my people, we do not own it, we live it.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Thanks mate, we have a way to go but she is home ;D
I will have to think of some questions for you, as you explain things so that they are easily understandable for those of us not privy to the ways of you and your people.
Actually I do have a question, I hope it is not too broad to answer.
Can you explain more about the spirit world and how the animal and people spirits of those who have passed interlink?
Thanks again
Evo
-
Hi David
By all means they are general insights and comments, but I am by no means a teacher, I am just explaining a few things in the ways of us black fellas that people have asked me about. "Aboriginal heritage" is a fallacy in my books, this beautiful country belongs to all equally, and we are just lucky enough to belong to the country. Our culture basically comes down to our connection with the land and all within it.
Regards
Tjupurula
This I don't follow because we all have some sort of Heritage. This I whole heartedly agree with and just hate the us and them syndrome. Those that I have worked and competed against in sport with, just raise their eyebrows in frustration with the attitudes of some, that are supposed to be working for the good of Aboriginal people. >:(
You have a really good approach to how things should be and that, is refreshing. 8) I can't be blamed with how things were done before my time but I can be enlightened on how, you think in your ways and how we all can live together. I hope this came across ok to you, Tjupurula? ???
Foo
-
This I don't follow because we all have some sort of Heritage. This I whole heartedly agree with and just hate the us and them syndrome. Those that I have worked and competed against in sport with, just raise their eyebrows in frustration with the attitudes of some, that are supposed to be working for the good of Aboriginal people. >:(
You have a really good approach to how things should be and that, is refreshing. 8) I can't be blamed with how things were done before my time but I can be enlightened on how, you think in your ways and how we all can live together. I hope this came across ok to you, Tjupurula? ???
Foo
My apologies Foo, I did not explain myself well at all. There is a general term, that being "Aborignal", which actually means "Native of the land. There are more than 1500 "language groups" in Australia, mean there are more than 1500 "Aboriginal languages" spoken by the various tribes, and very few of have exactly the same heritage, therefore to use the blanket term "Aborignal heritage" is in no way accurate. I am a Walmajarri man, therefore my heritage is from the Walmajarri tribe, my wife is a Martu woman, her heritage comes from her tribe, hopefully that has made things clearer.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Thanks mate, we have a way to go but she is home ;D
I will have to think of some questions for you, as you explain things so that they are easily understandable for those of us not privy to the ways of you and your people.
Actually I do have a question, I hope it is not too broad to answer.
Can you explain more about the spirit world and how the animal and people spirits of those who have passed interlink?
Thanks again
Evo
Hi again Evo
Firstly we accept and acknowledge that all species have spirits. In life every person has a "Tudegdi" animal, a creature which is completely sacred, or in other words a "totem" to the person. The person can never hunt, kill or eat the creature which is tudegdi to them. When the person leaves this world, their spirit, provided they have cared for their tudegdi correctly, will be guided through the spirit world by their tudegdi to meet with their own ancestors.
We look after our tudegdi in our life, andthey care for us in the spirit world. Before you ask, my tudegdi is a corella (a kind of cocky).
I hope this has explained some of what you are asking.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
It has and thank you for taking the time to explain that. I always wondered how and why they were so closely linked.
Makes sense to me :D
Oh and the Corella is a beautiful bird by the way
Cheers
Evo
-
They should be teaching this in our schools and not bloody american/french history like they do at my daughters..
-
Hi Tjupurula
At the risk of sounding corny , you are a breath of fresh air mate :cheers:
So , excuse my ignorance but while we are on a roll , what (when) exactly is the dreamtime or dreaming . Is it for instance a time before people walk the land ?
Cheers Alan
-
Hi Tjupurula
At the risk of sounding corny , you are a breath of fresh air mate :cheers:
So , excuse my ignorance but while we are on a roll , what (when) exactly is the dreamtime or dreaming . Is it for instance a time before people walk the land ?
Cheers Alan
Hi Alan
Dreaming and The Dreamtime are two separate things. I have explained Dreamings already I hope. The Dreamtime for us is when the Serpent (snake) travelled around, where the Serpent travelled on the ground, there are valleys and rivers, and, speaking for Lake Gregory where I live, we acknowledge the Serpent, and we must mud people (rub mud all over them) before they can swim or go to the water. Of course women mud women and men mud men. To all black fellas water is the most precious thing, and has always been and will always be guarded by the Serpent.
That may sound strange to people that we consider water precious, but things like gold and diamonds will not keep anyone alive in the desert, or anywhere for that matter.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
They should be teaching this in our schools and not bloody american/french history like they do at my daughters..
Hi Berlitza
As I have previously said, there are 1500 different language groups, or tribes. I guess the "system" does not want to get it wrong. There is also the fact that some of the people have given up their true life to get good paying jobs, good houses and nice cars, such things we do not have out here, and do not want them.
I also wish they would teach school kids some of this countries real facts, but I doubt it will ever happen.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Your probably right mate, But I think that is where it comes down to us as parents to expose our children to as much of what we consider important for them to learn as practical.
I know that my son loves trains and boats, because I have a passion for them and he was exposed to them. I will also as much as possible take him to places where he can learn and see what else this wonderful country has to teach him. (and Kath when she is older)
Cheers
Evo
-
I don't post on here much do spend a lot of time reading and learning on MySwag.
Thankyou Tjupurula for you insights, comments and teachings. They help us all learn and more importantly understand the Aboriginal heritage (I hope that came out right)
Cheers
David
You are most welcome David. I have explained my position on "Aboriginal heritage" to someone else in the thread, and I am a black fella.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
My apologies Foo, I did not explain myself well at all. There is a general term, that being "Aborignal", which actually means "Native of the land. There are more than 1500 "language groups" in Australia, mean there are more than 1500 "Aboriginal languages" spoken by the various tribes, and very few of have exactly the same heritage, therefore to use the blanket term "Aborignal heritage" is in no way accurate. I am a Walmajarri man, therefore my heritage is from the Walmajarri tribe, my wife is a Martu woman, her heritage comes from her tribe, hopefully that has made things clearer.
Regards
Tjupurula
Yep I understand now. :-[ It's a shame that no one has taken the time and effort to go around and get the recordings and meanings from all the Elders that could still give the insight into the different tribes, although I think there has been some small amount of this done up in the Gulf area, I think.
Foo
-
Tj,
I read you explanations and suddenly realised that many of the beliefs in your culture are very close to same beliefs of the American Indian.
I knew many American Indians from different tribes and thier beliefs and stories always fascinated me, as do yours.
Thank you for sharing some of your knowledge with us.
Bill
-
Tj,
I read you explanations and suddenly realised that many of the beliefs in your culture are very close to same beliefs of the American Indian.
I knew many American Indians from different tribes and thier beliefs and stories always fascinated me, as do yours.
Thank you for sharing some of your knowledge with us.
Bill
Hi Bill
I have met some Sioux and Cheyenne Elders a few years ago when they escorted some skeletal remans back to our country, as they had been given to those tribes in error. I therefore take that as a massive compliment, as they had pride and dignity that one could immediately sense.
Tjupurula
-
Thank you Tjupurula. I have always been interested in the ways and beliefs of Aboriginal people but of course have always been too busy to read and learn as much as I would have liked to. I look forward to reading any thing further you may write. I might even have some questions of my own for you, if you don't mind.
Cheers
Hayesy
-
Thank you Tjupurula. I have always been interested in the ways and beliefs of Aboriginal people but of course have always been too busy to read and learn as much as I would have liked to. I look forward to reading any thing further you may write. I might even have some questions of my own for you, if you don't mind.
Cheers
Hayesy
Most questions I shpuld answer, there are some that I will not answer, as culturally I am not allowed to, and I am not geting speared through the leg fior anyone. If I state that I will not answer a question, that will be the only answer given.
Tjupurula
-
Thank you TJ.
I read that to my two boys while sitting around the campfire this evening and they were totally fascinated.
-
Thank you TJ.
I read that to my two boys while sitting around the campfire this evening and they were totally fascinated.
I also thankyou for allowing your boys to learn about black fella ways.
Tjupurula
-
Hi Tjupurula
I was meaning to ask you, do you keep any written or audio recordings of your language and dreamings for future generations, or is it still just passed down verbally from one generation to the next?
Karen
-
Hi Tjupurula
I was meaning to ask you, do you keep any written or audio recordings of your language and dreamings for future generations, or is it still just passed down verbally from one generation to the next?
Karen
Hi Karen
We have done both. We have Law (Lore) evry year, and when we bring the new men (no longer boys) into the clan, they do the dances and tell the Dreamings they havelearned that are relevant to them.
My daughter and her two young ones have been sitting with me and my younger brother quite a bit, recording everything they can, and where relevant, translating it to English. It is then somehow put onto the discs, but I leave that up to them.
Regards
Tjupurla
-
Thank you again TJ for sharing your culture, my three children are enjoying learning with me as we read your stories.
Regards. Craig
-
Tjupurula,
I wish we could grab you and bring you to town for a while. There are some young people that would do well to sit with you and yarn for a while. I look forward to saying hello in a few weeks and I too love the stories of the land and culture.
Good stuff. :cup:
-
Before you ask, my tudegdi is a corella (a kind of cocky).
Regards
Tjupurula
Is that why you talk so much ;)
Seriously Tjupurula, you're a top bloke who I'd be more than happy to have a chat around the campfire with although, ( like probably shared with many others ) I don't feel I'd be doing much talking. Just listening, for hours.
You my friend are a true inspiration to your culture.
Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!
-
Is that why you talk so much ;)
Seriously Tjupurula, you're a top bloke who I'd be more than happy to have a chat around the campfire with although, ( like probably shared with many others ) I don't feel I'd be doing much talking. Just listening, for hours.
You my friend are a true inspiration to your culture.
Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!
Hi Marcus
Your first point is quite relevant. I have probably said too much on the computer, and I have upset a couple of people and apologised for doing so. They were quite right to get annoyed, and I will slow down a bit.
Around a fire I do not talk much, preferring instead to learn from others.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Hi Marcus
Your first point is quite relevant. I have probably said too much on the computer, and I have upset a couple of people and apologised for doing so. They were quite right to get annoyed, and I will slow down a bit.
Around a fire I do not talk much, preferring instead to learn from others.
Regards
Tjupurula
Don't apologise, I for one am loving reading majority of your posts. Keep em coming mate
Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!
-
Hi thanks for sharing the information you do not just in this post but I always enjoy reading your comments. But especially the ones in this post. If it's ok to ask I see you have said what animal is sacred to you as a person are you allowed to say which one is connected with your tribe? Hopefully one day we are going to be in a postion to see more of this great country of ours thanks again.
-
Hi Alan
Dreaming and The Dreamtime are two separate things. I have explained Dreamings already I hope. The Dreamtime for us is when the Serpent (snake) travelled around, where the Serpent travelled on the ground, there are valleys and rivers, and, speaking for Lake Gregory where I live, we acknowledge the Serpent, and we must mud people (rub mud all over them) before they can swim or go to the water. Of course women mud women and men mud men. To all black fellas water is the most precious thing, and has always been and will always be guarded by the Serpent.
That may sound strange to people that we consider water precious, but things like gold and diamonds will not keep anyone alive in the desert, or anywhere for that matter.
Regards
Tjupurula
First of TJ, thank you for taking the time to enlighten us a little.
Secondly, I met a bloke from meekathara (ancestral linked) and we were camped on the murchison river. Instead of mud, he threw a handful of sand into the water before swimming.
Is it the same but different like the different languages?
Doc.
-
Tjupurula, Thank you once again for sharing ;D. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread and have learnt a few things along the way. You have alot to share and I enjoy listening to what you have to say, especially about being a 'black fella'. ;D
-
First of TJ, thank you for taking the time to enlighten us a little.
Secondly, I met a bloke from meekathara (ancestral linked) and we were camped on the murchison river. Instead of mud, he threw a handful of sand into the water before swimming.
Is it the same but different like the different languages?
Doc.
Yes, that would have been their way of making sure the Serpent knew that the right people were there. We all have similar culture, but rarely exactly the same...juts like different languages, yes.
Tjupurula
-
Tjupurula, Thank you once again for sharing ;D. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread and have learnt a few things along the way. You have alot to share and I enjoy listening to what you have to say, especially about being a 'black fella'. ;D
I do not know why you say black fella inside the '..', it is just a term of phrase, Iam glad that you have leaned from what others have asked.
Tjupurula
-
Frostd was probably referring to your previous post (33) when he used quotation marks. In this, you referred to 'black fella' ways. Many of us may feel uneasy referring to you as a black fella in direct speech or written communication.
He was tactfully using the phrase IMO, as you had previously used it.
English is a strange language!
Cheers.
-
Frostd was probably referring to your previous post (33) when he used quotation marks. In this, you referred to 'black fella' ways. Many of us may feel uneasy referring to you as a black fella in direct speech or written communication.
He was tactfully using the phrase IMO, as you had previously used it.
English is a strange language!
Cheers.
Cheers Mace
Okay, Okay, I just checked in the mirror, and other than scaring the crap out of myself, I guess I am more of a cooking chocolate brown colour than I am black, in comparison with some of the African tribes, but I am most definitely a black fella. Maa naija waji janu punduu yanama gwardia (I will check again later on)........at least my language is not so strange to me.
I call you white fellas, so you should call me as I am, a black fella. Believe me, if I have another heart attack and need blood again, I don't care whose veins it comes from, as long as I am alive afterwards.....Well sorry Speewa..might be too much grog in yours.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Believe me, if I gave another heart attack and need blood again, I don't care whose veins it comes from, as long as I am alive afterwards.....
Tjupurula
:cup:
:cheers:
-
I worked with a Maori bloke for sometime and he was telling a story about a place where he worked and how he was expected to do something and it wasn't really a good reason given why he was told he had to do it, other than he was black. I replied to him hey and so you should your black but he knew I was only joking but the thing is, the mob that told him wasn't! >:D
You really need to know the person and their personality before you can engage in this sort of banter. ;)
Foo
-
I worked with a Maori bloke for sometime and he was telling a story about a place where he worked and how he was expected to do something and it wasn't really a good reason given why he was told he had to do it, other than he was black. I replied to him hey and so you should your black but he knew I was only joking but the thing is, the mob that told him wasn't! >:D
You really need to know the person and their personality before you can engage in this sort of banter. ;)
Foo
I Know what you are saying Foo, I have many white friends from a variety of backgrounds, and we use some terrible names for each other now and then, but we are friends. I would probably get upset if I could see the person was a blatant racist, but I somehow doubt there are any racists on this site.
Tjupurula
-
Hi Tjupurula
Can you tell us why you are not allowed to mention a persons name once they have passed away?
-
Hi Tjupurula
Can you tell us why you are not allowed to mention a persons name once they have passed away?
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Lake gregory WA
Posts: 880
Gender: Male
A mob at the edge of Lake Gregory
View Profile
Personal Message (Offline)
Re: Some Aboriginal explanations
« Reply #6 on: Yesterday at 08:41:13 AM »
Quote
Quote from: Foo on Yesterday at 08:26:24 AM
Can you explain to me about the not using the first name but the last name is ok, for when someone has died please?
Foo
Hi Foo
The last name is, as with all societies, the family name. The first name is how the person is recognised, and as we all pass into the spirit world with our ancestors, we do not want to disturb the spirit journey to join the ancestiors by calling them back. We use the term Kumuntjai, which basically means "no name", and the same term is used for others who shared the same name, or any name that is extremely close. The family name is the name of the group, not the individual.
I hope that explains it for you.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Thanks Foo
I read the whole thread or at least thought I did! Tjupurula sorry I missed that.
-
Considering plenty of black fellas call us 'whiteys' and I have a good mate that does to me and they refer to themselves as black fellas, it usually all good. I have tons of mates that are indigenous and have a great laugh about it all.
-
Considering plenty of black fellas call us 'whiteys' and I have a good mate that does to me and they refer to themselves as black fellas, it usually all good. I have tons of mates that are indigenous and have a great laugh about it all.
My Goodness Steve, you spend enough time out here in the communities, you should know a few black fellas by now, and I also know that you know quite a few community people. This political correctness is out of control I think.
Tjupurula
-
I think we need to organise the next Myswag national meet up at TJs place!
Cheers Chippy :D
-
Tjupurula, thankyou for taking the time to share some of yourself with us. I'm very lucky to have worked closely with the various Sea Ranger groups across the Top End and appreciate the experience and the harmonious relationships that the indigenous folk have with our environment.
I have to say too, they have the cheekiest senses of humour too, great blokes and very happy to share their knowledge with a city slicker like me! I swear, some of those trips, I've never laughed so hard in my life!
Cheers
Alan
-
I think we need to organise the next Myswag national meet up at TJs place!
Cheers Chippy :D
I'll be there is three weeks so I'll scope it out ;D Would be so good to spend a night around the fire with Tjupurula. Come visit Chippy and we can head out together.
We are commissioning a new Health Clinic there which will be great for the area, I'll post some pics when were done.
Tjupurula, you are so right. We tend to tiptoe around the issue rather than embrace it. I changed last year when out your way and actually got to see the real side of life. It takes time but the rewards are great in my opinion and I now start to understand a small part of it. The real fact is I love the land up here and am also lucky enough to have access to vast areas of land for what they want to call work - Bah Ha. If this is work then I'm one very lucky bloke. See you in three weeks and I am bringing goodies for you and that is that.
-
I think we need to organise the next Myswag national meet up at TJs place!
Cheers Chippy :D
Hi Chippy
Some Swaggers have already been this way, and the amount of damage to their CT's was horrifying. There is no such thing as a good road here, unless it is the first 2 - 3 days after it has been graded. The Tanami at the best if tines at the moment is not friendly towards anything being towed, as much as I reckon that such is a great idea, I would say not at the moment.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
I think we need to organise the next Myswag national meet up at TJs place!
You wouldn't wish a bunch of Swaggers on anyone :o though I do like the idea :cup:
-
I just had a brief chat with Steve on the telephone. I realise that last time I vanished some people were a bit concerned. I may well be vanishing again for a while, as I have to have a heart check-up, and that cannot be done in country. My blood pressure has been up and down like anything, and because it has been way too low a couple of times they are also worried about the function of another organ, but what the heck, I am too damned ugly to leave this exitence yet.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Tjupurula, thankyou for taking the time to share some of yourself with us. I'm very lucky to have worked closely with the various Sea Ranger groups across the Top End and appreciate the experience and the harmonious relationships that the indigenous folk have with our environment.
I have to say too, they have the cheekiest senses of humour too, great blokes and very happy to share their knowledge with a city slicker like me! I swear, some of those trips, I've never laughed so hard in my life!
Cheers
Alan
Yep, sounds likeyou with a bunch of good fellas. My nephew is actually the Head Ranger here, and he is forever laughing and having a good time.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
You wouldn't wish a bunch of Swaggers on anyone :o though I do like the idea :cup:
You mean you wouldn't wish this place on a bunch of Swaggers......no alcohol and the nearest full strength alcohol being Broome or Kununurra, they'd have the shakes for days ;D
Tjupurula
-
I just had a brief chat with Steve on the telephone. I realise that last time I vanished some people were a bit concerned. I may well be vanishing again for a while, as I have to have a heart check-up, and that cannot be done in country. My blood pressure has been up and down like anything, and because it has been way too low a couple of times they are also worried about the function of another organ, but what the heck, I am too damned ugly to leave this exitence yet.
Regards
Tjupurula
Hey TJ, best of luck mate. I hope its nothing to serious and you are on the mend and back home soon.
Cheers
Evo
-
I have a mate who is half black fella and on Australia Day he always says to me "happy invasion day whitey" ;D
Just thought I'd share that as it always amuses me!
-
I have a mate who is half black fella and on Australia Day he always says to me "happy invasion day whitey" ;D
Just thought I'd share that as it always amuses me!
That seems appropriate coming frm someone who is only half black fella. I reckon Australia day is great, without people coming to this country, and giving us their skills and knowledge, I would not be on this website now. If I was around, I would have died months ago from the heart attack that I had. If he is only a half black fella, what is the other half, I just had this image of someone standing up, with a line from head to toe, one side black and the other something else. Goodness my mind goes silly sometimes.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
I just had this image of someone standing up, with a line from head to toe, one side black and the other something else. Goodness my mind goes silly sometimes.
Regards
Tjupurula
Haha gold! :cup:
Cheers
Evo
-
That seems appropriate coming frm someone who is only half black fella. I reckon Australia day is great, without people coming to this country, and giving us their skills and knowledge, I would not be on this website now. If I was around, I would have died months ago from the heart attack that I had. If he is only a half black fella, what is the other half, I just had this image of someone standing up, with a line from head to toe, one side black and the other something else. Goodness my mind goes silly sometimes.
Regards
Tjupurula
Half white fella half black fella, we often make suggestions to him as to how he is put together but it wouldn't be appropriate to repeat them here ;D
-
You mean he has a foot in both camps DannyG. ;D
Foo
-
You wouldn't wish a bunch of Swaggers on anyone :o though I do like the idea :cup:
I'd be there...... now, let me think, where did i put the oil, chocolate and strawberries.
-
You mean you wouldn't wish this place on a bunch of Swaggers......no alcohol and the nearest full strength alcohol being Broome or Kununurra, they'd have the shakes for days ;D
Tjupurula
Who needs alcohol?...not me 8)
When we were over in Kununurra, we were in such a hurry to meet up with friends that we forgot about the restrictions and ended up heading out to El Questro with no beer on board :o
By the time we got to Windjana Gorge, the guys would have traded the kids for a can >:D
-
Tjupurula, I hope all goes well with your check up. We'll all be thinking of you and wishing you well :)
Karen
-
Tjupurula, I hope all goes well with your check up. We'll all be thinking of you and wishing you well :)
Karen
X2 TJ, keep looking after yourself, loads of us out here thinking of you.
-
Good luck with all your health checks Tjupurula. Will be thinking of you.
KB
-
TJ
Good luck with the check up mate, probably call in your way August with a bit of luck
cheers Andy
-
Good luck with all your health checks Tjupurula. Will be thinking of you.
KB
X3, keep us updated with how it goes mate
-
Good luck with all your health checks Tjupurula. Will be thinking of you.
KB
X 2 good luck, sincerely TJ.
Jas and family.
-
I have been told they ahould be flying me out in the morning sometime, from there who knows where I am going. I somehow think that they will find that all is pretty good at the moment, I hope.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Thank you so much for a very easy to understand explanation love it.
Cheers
-
Take care and hopefully it will be all good.
-
What a great post. Thanks mate and all the best with your health. :D
-
My Goodness I have to laugh sometimes. It is 0545 hrs here at the moment, and I have had to sign some papers.
A couple of the questions that I had to answer:-
Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander Descent ?............I answered "I Live in Mulan Aboriginal Community, I am a black fella, so I guess I am as Australian as anyone else".
Are you an Aiustralian Citizen ?....My answer "Yes, I became an Australian Citizen in 1978, but I was born in Australia in 1959".
What is your preferred Language ?........I answered "My normal language is Walmajarri, but considering you Government officials don't speak actual Australian languages other than English, we can communicate in English".
After all that garbage, I have made my decision. The Federal Election and my wife's birthday fall on the same day, and I know which is more important, my wife will hve a damned good birthday, and we will vote for Pauline Hanson, at lest she keeps it interesting.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Good morning Tjupurula,
I have tears running down my cheeks and my ribs hurts after reading you last reply.
You have to wonder how smart them blikes are that write these forms and send them out.
I hope you have a fantastic day mate.
Cheers.
-
Good morning Tjupurula,
I have tears running down my cheeks and my ribs hurts after reading you last reply.
You have to wonder how smart them blikes are that write these forms and send them out.
I hope you have a fantastic day mate.
Cheers.
I do not know how I hurt your ribs Hars, but you have my apologies for that.
Tjupurla
-
My Goodness I have to laugh sometimes. It is 0545 hrs here at the moment, and I have had to sign some papers.
A couple of the questions that I had to answer:-
Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander Descent ?............I answered "I Live in Mulan Aboriginal Community, I am a black fella, so I guess I am as Australian as anyone else".
Are you an Aiustralian Citizen ?....My answer "Yes, I became an Australian Citizen in 1978, but I was born in Australia in 1959".
What is your preferred Language ?........I answered "My normal language is Walmajarri, but considering you Government officials don't speak actual Australian languages other than English, we can communicate in English".
After all that garbage, I have made my decision. The Federal Election and my wife's birthday fall on the same day, and I know which is more important, my wife will hve a damned good birthday, and we will vote for Pauline Hanson, at lest she keeps it interesting.
Regards
Tjupurula
That is Gold Tjupurula :cup:, just proves what an awesome sense of humour you have. Have a great day and hope all the test work out well.
Cracka
-
I do not know how I hurt your ribs Hairs, but you have my apologies for that.
Tjupurla
:laugh:
There is No need for an apology, You made my morning with that reply.
Thank you.
-
You mean you wouldn't wish this place on a bunch of Swaggers......no alcohol and the nearest full strength alcohol being Broome or Kununurra, they'd have the shakes for days ;D
Tjupurula
I though what a great place for a meet then i read the above post about no booze
I am out
-
My Goodness I have to laugh sometimes. It is 0545 hrs here at the moment, and I have had to sign some papers.
A couple of the questions that I had to answer:-
Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander Descent ?............I answered "I Live in Mulan Aboriginal Community, I am a black fella, so I guess I am as Australian as anyone else".
Are you an Aiustralian Citizen ?....My answer "Yes, I became an Australian Citizen in 1978, but I was born in Australia in 1959".
What is your preferred Language ?........I answered "My normal language is Walmajarri, but considering you Government officials don't speak actual Australian languages other than English, we can communicate in English".
After all that garbage, I have made my decision. The Federal Election and my wife's birthday fall on the same day, and I know which is more important, my wife will hve a damned good birthday, and we will vote for Pauline Hanson, at lest she keeps it interesting.
Regards
Tjupurula
Love it! You made my day too :cup:
-
Mate thats awsome the spirits are looking over you and you sence of humour has not given up either
best of luck with everything
Redrocker
-
Blimey they flew me to Kununurra, put a wire somewhere I will not discuss on line, right through into my heart, and told me that things should be okay for now. Then flew me back. It is so damned wierd looking at the insides of your own heart whilst awake and laying down. The worst part is going to be when the hair grows back, that is going to get itchy. Back next month for elective surgery I hope, I first thought they said something else (erective) and I told them they could start without me because I would not be there. When I told them what I thought they had said, they all cracked up laughing....they should have been of my side of things when I thought I had head what I thought I had heard.
Apparently they are none too happy with the answers I put on their form. The had addressed to Mr Tjupurula, but there was a line which said Sex, and had a M and F box to tick, so I did not tick either, I simply wrote, "No thanks, I am married".
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Apparently they are none too happy with the answers I put on their form. The had addressed to Mr Tjupurula, but there was a line which said Sex, and had a M and F box to tick, so I did not tick either, I simply wrote, "No thanks, I am married".
Regards
Tjupurula
Some people just don't have a sense of humor, I'm glad you do! ;D
-
Thats the Go ,, your answers dont have to make sence to you ,, but it will stuff up some seat warming pencl jockey .
When ever l am in hospital & asked what religion l am , l tell they " Put me down for what ever your short of " That stuffs them up Big Time . >:D
Some clown sits in a room with no windows , drinking too much coffie thinking up this crap .
>:D :cheers:
-
Blimey the flew me to Kununurra, put a wire somewhere I will not discuss on line, right through into my heart, and told me that things should be okay for now.
Apparently they are none too happy with the answers I put on their form. The had addressed to Mr Tjupurula, but there was a line which said Sex, and had a M and F box to tick, so I did not tick either, I simply wrote, "No thanks, I am married".
Regards
Tjupurula
Even better when they stick that tiny thin wire in your thigh next to your boys, up through your heart, and into the middle of ya melon, squirt a bit of black dye that stings like a bee had just stung you behind both eyes while ya head is wedged between the bed and a big black flat slab of stuff. And you get to watch that on a telly. (http://www.hairfysh.com/images/Icons/Smileys/smiley-laughing011.gif)
They are never to happy when I fill in the date section with the word "Itchy"
-
Actually, given that Kununurra is very much a predominantly black town, I was so surprised at how little the madical staff knew about Aboriginals. We are very much male for male and female for female when it comes to medical things, and the had no idea what was wrong when I would not let a female nurse down "there" with a shaving razor. I ended up doing it myself.
I have read somewhere that such people do something called a "cultural awareness" course, and I thought it meant to do with us fellas, but now I am not so sure.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
Glad your ticker is still working and that you're back home having a laugh :cup:
A loofah might help with the itching ;)
-
I have read somewhere that such people do something called a "cultural awareness" course, and I thought it meant to do with us fellas, but now I am not so sure.
Tjupurula not all white fella's in healthcare get the whole mens and womens business concept........cultural awareness training only works if they listen.
I have often found that regardless of culture, black white or Arabic, speaking in general terms, with adequate explanation and negotiation with the patient most of those sensitive issues can be worked around with some thought and tact. Its just getting folks to talk to their patients and discuss the issues that's the tricky bit.......most just want to be busy and get the job done, not realising the impact their impatience has.
-
Tjupurula not all white fella's in healthcare get the whole mens and womens business concept........cultural awareness training only works if they listen.
I have often found that regardless of culture, black white or Arabic, speaking in general terms, with adequate explanation and negotiation with the patient most of those sensitive issues can be worked around with some thought and tact. Its just getting folks to talk to their patients and discuss the issues that's the tricky bit.......most just want to be busy and get the job done, not realising the impact their impatience has.
Therein lays most of the problem GanG, as I do not accept professional people managing to "work around" cultural issues......the either accept how I am, and work with it, not around it, or they have nothing to do with me. I am extremely proud to be from one of the oldest continual cultures in the world, and I bend for noone.
The reason that I have start threads is to allow people to have a basic understanding. I am not expecting people to suddenly know the ways of the black fella, as we are born into our ways, and live in them our entire lives. Elders do not get any form of status until become at least about middle aged (to use white terms). Now I am sounding racist against white people.....be careful or I will paint you with shoe polish and call you family (only kidding).
If one of these professionals has no patience and just tries to "get the job done", I will tell them to get lost, as I did in Kununurra and do what is required myself. I guess the best kind of "cultural awareness" is to simply acknowledge that someone is a cultural person, no matter their background or nationality, and accept that such is how it is. I have two cousins, who are tribal men, and by choice they practice the Christian faith, one of them has a 27 yo daughter who is a practising Muslim, and they all get along perfectly. Why ? Because they acknowledge that each other has their own beliefs, and by the way, they all STILL make sure their children and grandchildren learn correct tribal ways, not the ways of their beliefs. I reckon it is fantastic.
Regards
Tjupurula
-
If he is only a half black fella, what is the other half, I just had this image of someone standing up, with a line from head to toe, one side black and the other something else. Goodness my mind goes silly sometimes.
Regards
Tjupurula
You mean like this guy? ;D
Two Faces (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxOuoGLSL_g#)
-
A loofah might help with the itching ;)
What,,,,, a loofah bread or a shoe?
-
Great to hear all is well, even if the hospital staff had no sense of humour on your answers I got some laughs out of them. Bet you are glad this was a shorter trip than your last one
-
Great to hear all is well, even if the hospital staff had no sense of humour on your answers I got some laughs out of them. Bet you are glad this was a shorter trip than your last one
As true as that is< i still ahve to go back every 4 weeks or something like that, and that is just too much time in any town at all for me.
Tjupurula
-
Tjupurula sorry if I have caused offense, I think you may have misunderstood me. Or maybe I have misunderstood you. When I say work around I mean, talk to the patient/person and discuss openly what is or is not acceptable, and find a solution that does not cause any boundaries to be crossed......eg your own solution, you have 2 hands so you shave the area yourself. Not to make assumptions or plow on through.
I could think of worse things than being made family to a mob that love the land, hunt, fish etc :) Sounds like your cousins have themselves pretty well sorted, its a sham more folks cannot find that level of tolerance for differences.
-
Tjupurula sorry if I have caused offense, I think you may have misunderstood me. Or maybe I have misunderstood you. When I say work around I mean, talk to the patient/person and discuss openly what is or is not acceptable, and find a solution that does not cause any boundaries to be crossed......eg your own solution, you have 2 hands so you shave the area yourself. Not to make assumptions or plow on through.
I could think of worse things than being made family to a mob that love the land, hunt, fish etc :) Sounds like your cousins have themselves pretty well sorted, its a sham more folks cannot find that level of tolerance for differences.
My apologies GanG as I had misunderstood you, and I do accept what you meant.
Tjupurula