"Learning to speak our language, learning the essence of how this came to be, learning the ceremony, the fire, the smoke, different communications with the land-and all that inhabits it, our mother, the stars; the blaze of the blessings is beyond anything that the mind can grasp. Being taught by our Elders and wisdom holders to work in these ways holds a brilliance all of its own. It’s how we be, where we come from and what we belong to; the weaving of connection, dreaming, heart and light.”

Mel Armstrong

Mel's story

Mel’s has worked extensively over the past 27 years researching her family’s history back to 1800.

The understanding of the breaks in connection, the impacts of colonisation, the Stolen Generation and the ongoing impacts that continue today with the families are paramount to understanding difference, privilege, courage, personal confidence and what belonging means.

Learning more of your culture is a very important part to healing the feelings of disconnection. Understanding the reason and purpose of what is done, why it’s done and when to not do or share certain things.

“Learning your Aboriginal Language feels like you’re wrapped up in a warm blanket, it works through you, your body responds to it. It’s like a somatic healing experience where you expand with joy and wonder at the same time.

Our family story, my direct lineage, was part of the Stolen Generation. It’s taken significant work to trace the pieces, find our people through research and understand the journey so far. The depth of your connection isn’t measured by others, it’s something that leads you home, it calls you."

This beautiful and profound connection becomes more expansive every day, growing in love, awareness, consciousness and energy.

I’ve had the great privilege of hearing the words of my people, my family and Elders sharing their stories, the stories of our Ancestors and the wisdom of our ways.

Being taught and guided in purpose by our senior people is a deeply humbling experience. Furthering education to communicate our way, our healing, and our blessings, working with the elements, the plants, the land, the stars, in alignment with our lore is something I hold very dear.

The depth of the sacred wisdom is clean and clear, not to be taken for granted or played with. Devotion to the sacred, the Ancestors, the spirituality, the vibration and the vast consciousness a wonderous cosmic gift; something to be respected and held in awe.

Learning to speak our language, learning the essence of how this came to be, learning the ceremony, the fire, the smoke. Different communications with the land and all that inhabits it, our mother, the stars, the blaze of the blessings is beyond anything that the mind can grasp.

"Being taught by our Elders and wisdom holders to work in these ways holds a brilliance all of its own. It’s how we be, where we come from and what we belong to; the weaving of connection, dreaming, heart and light.”

"This is Me"

In Gamilaraay/ Gomeroi Language

We pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land; Elders, past, present and emerging. To the Gamilaraay Ancestors, Elders and language holders for holding and sharing this beautiful language.

This video was made with the intention of bridging gaps, to create understanding and partnerships.

The song, This is Me - from the Greatest Showman has been translated into the Gamilaraay Aboriginal Language. Our language is a soul language, it's the sound of creation.

This is me (I am this, in Gamilaraay language) speaks to many things; connection, strength, resilience, not being wanted as you are, shame, expectations of conformity in a patriarchal system and divisiveness. Emerging through the verses shows that the inner connection is the most powerful one that we have, that cannot be taken from us.

The privilege of learning our language was profound and life changing, and to this, sharing it creates understanding and heart opening if done with right purpose.

Acknowledgements

To Aunty Beth and Uncle John who have taught us through the sharing of the Gamilaraay Aboriginal Language and Culture; for everything you have shared, given and encouraged—your teachings help to bring us home.

Parvati Sioux Burns (vocals) and Kiit Watts (music) - immense gratitude to you both for your courage, vulnerability, strength, heart and willingness to support the creation of something that will inspire others to understand that coming together is possible, with mutual deep respect and joy; while knowing the privilege it is to walk together from the heart and soul in a conscious way.

Translation by Mel Armstrong, First Nations Gomeroi woman.

Original song - by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble.

Cultural re-connection

"I grew up predominantly with my grandparents. My grandmother is an Aboriginal woman however it wasn’t until my early 20s that it was confirmed for me. I knew that there was something hidden and different about us but we certainly never spoke about it. I was taught a very rehearsed response about our family background and it didn’t include our Aboriginality."

Mel Armstrong

Cultural learnings

As a forever student, Mel has a great love for the exploration of traditions, working with the essence of the teachings, the energetic transfer and exquisite beauty that comes from this.

Coming home has been a heart opening experiences that has filled many gaps and questions of what the yearning was always about. Coming to see her Senior Elder on country, the conversations are always joyous, beautiful and inspiring. With ongoing encouragement from Uncle to undertake the learning of their language, working with the elements, the fire, the land and blessing these. Mel has been taught and given permission to work with these moving forward.

“Following the instruction of our Elders is so important, it’s a surreal experience, immediately feeling the connection, power and understanding that it’s in the following of the instruction with a deep respect is necessary at all times that brings the love and expansive connection with all things.

The day Uncle gave me this, after reading the first 2 lines, I could feel the tear gently roll down my cheek; it was quiet and beautiful. The love that he is and that he has for his culture, country and people is palpable; humbling is one way to describe being taught by this gentleman, I feel blessed and very grateful to have this opportunity in my life. I understand the responsibility, the purpose and what’s required. To be seen and embraced by an Elder is such a privilege, a welcome home.”

Photo courtesy of Hanumani.