The First Nations of Australia have a sweet and sacred way of acknowledging the traditional owners of the particular area they happen to stand on and reflecting on their history by paying their ‘respects to their Elders past, present and emerging in acknowledging their ongoing connection to culture, land and community’.

As I reflect on this sacred practice my mind also goes to all the Elders past, present and emerging of the peoples of the Diaspora. Interesting to note how many major groups of people all around the globe, come under this category – the Diaspora.

The timeline in ^1.Australia’s Immigration history alone, records eight different waves of groups migrating to Australia to date, after the establishment of the First Nations of Australia. From the Macassan Traders of Indonesia of the 1700s and earlier to the Post-War groups of people who came under the ‘Populate or Perish’ policy of 1945-1970 leading up to the Multicultural and Global Migration policies, which went on to encompass the ‘Boat People’ of Vietnam and Asylum Seekers from 1970 onwards, these groups now form the population of Australia.

The Elders of such groups all around the world, had to forge their way through unchartered territories to make a living in new lands. The moves within their Diaspora posed enormous challenges and changes which they undertook with a great deal of resilience, courage and fortitude – and largely without the help of modern technology.

Today I would like to pay my respects to all the Elders of the Diaspora past, present and emerging for their ongoing adaptation and contribution to culture, commerce and community of their adoptive lands.

On a personal level, I pay tribute to our Elders past who shouldered the heavy responsibilities of paving their way through new lands and made it that much easier for us who have followed in their footsteps. Your sacrifices have never been forgotten. I also pay tribute to our Elders present all over the globe today, namely –

Toshi Mamiji, who always raises the bar high in all that she puts her hand to do
Posy Mamiji, who stood up against unethical medical behaviours with courage and continues with the same tenacity in her life
Rano Masiji, who lived and is living through every challenge with a smile and a prayer
Kusum Masiji, a true artist at heart, who has pushed, and continues to push, through every hardship with a song 

We see you walking through the evening of your lives, with a great deal of admiration, affection and respect – yours has been an amazingly, courageous journey and we’re proud to be walking right behind you.

^1.https://www.noborders-group.com/de/about-us/History-of-Immigration-Australia