As part of National Reconciliation Week, Uncle Mik Edwards performed a Welcome to Country ceremony at Monash Medical Centre on Monday.
Uncle Mik Edwards is a proud Bunurong and Mutti Mutti man, a respected Bunurong Elder, as well as an educator, an expert in land management, and a medicine man. Welcome to Country is an important Aboriginal tradition to welcome guests and neighbours to Country, and to demonstrate respect for Aboriginal people and their connection to Country.
The ceremony began with a moving yidiki performance by Eric Edwards, Uncle Mik’s son.
During the Welcome to Country, Uncle Mik Edwards spoke about reconciliation, and our responsibility to take care of Country.
He also told us about his experience of being forcibly taken away from his family and culture. He does not like the term Stolen Generations, he says, because only inanimate objects are stolen.
Uncle Mik commended the healthcare workers at Monash Health for the work they do.
“Just remember, people don’t choose to be here,” he reminded us. “Their illnesses force them to be here.”
After the Welcome to Country ceremony, Uncle Mik invited everyone to participate in a smoking ceremony by passing through the smoke from burning leaves of cherry ballart, eucalyptus and black wattle.
“The smoke is like a visa, so you can be on this Country,” Uncle Mik said.
You can find out more about National Reconciliation Week and how you can get involved here. Reconciliation Week can be an especially difficult time for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander colleagues and patients. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of the emotional significance of this time. Remember to contact the Aboriginal Health team if you, or your Aboriginal patients and colleagues need support.
Approved by Annette Davis – Acting General Manager Community
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