When I first heard about studying abroad in Australia, I was so excited and inspired by the infamous photograph of the students riding camels along Cable Beach at sunset. I could not wait for the day that I could travel to Broome to have that same experience. However, once accepted, the Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s study abroad group was informed that due to funding restrictions, they would no longer be able to travel that far north for their excursion. Saddened, frustrated, and disappointed I was convinced that there would be no trip even remotely comparable to the Broome excursion trip. However, I am pleased to say that after my week in the outback of Australia near Shark Bay, I have been blessed and gifted with the opportunity of christening the new excursion opportunity.
Contrary to the Broome excursion, I had little to no expectations set in place for the Shark Bay excursion. I did not want to end up feeling disappointed and annoyed, so instead I went into the week with an open mind and the hope that the trip would be as life changing as the Broome trip had proved to be for past study abroad students. I can honestly say that the moments and cultural bumps I experienced along the way have helped to influence my thoughts and beliefs in regards to the Aboriginal people of Western Australia.
I believe I got the most out of the trip when I was able to interact with the Aboriginal people. Their talk really opened my eyes to some of the conditions that the Aboriginal people underwent as part of their relocation to the missions and camps. When I first realized that New Norcia, the place where we were actually staying, used to be used as a dormitory for children from the Stolen Generations, I was beside myself. I was plagued by feelings of anger and frustration. I kept thinking, really, we are staying in a place that children were forced to stay in once they were removed from their parents. However, after speaking more with Farther Bernard, I was able to further understand how the New Norcia mission was operated.
They helped me to create a viewpoint from both the religious life and from a member of the Stolen Generations. It was not that the brothers and priests were endorsing that these children be removed from their homes, but rather, they were appointed by the state as a relocation facility. As he spoke about his personal testimony from his time in the mission, I began to realize that as an outsider looking in, there tends to be a focus only on the negative. He told us so much more about how although he remembers moments of feeling sad and alone, he was able to find happiness and move past the bad that has happened in his life. I felt that he had so much to teach us about not holding hate against people and their actions, and instead using those negative experiences to learn and grow. Just as his time has help to shape and mold his life, I felt that he was helping to shape and mold us as people too.
When our group continued bush bashing further north, I was really began to feel like we were heading into the land of Australia’s outback when we first saw the red dirt roads. As it began to consume our views, I started to feel like I was creating a deeper connection with the land that we had heard so much about from previous students. The day we spent in Shark Bay with Capes really allowed me to more fully understand some of the Aboriginal practices and perspectives in relation to the earth and its creations.
We were able to go on a kayak trip along the coastline at Shark Bay, and I was amazed by the knowledge and expertise of our guide. An Aboriginal man himself, he would quickly kayak to a sting ray or a shark and yell to us to follow suit. As I saw a sea turtle hurriedly pass beneath my kayak I thought about how Capes explained that every year some of his community members celebrate their heritage by having a traditional Aboriginal feast that has some of the very sea life we were seeing. I could not even imagine how tough it must have been to catch such animals, but even before I could ponder that more, Capes had gone kayaking like mad to catch that very sea turtle. To my surprise he doubled out of his kayak, hopped back in and paddled over to us with an amazing surprise – he had caught the sea turtle for us to hold! I was so impressed by his speed and agility in catching the turtle, as well as his determination. It made me think about how much knowledge the Aboriginal people have in relation to the land. They had to gather their food and live amongst nature, instead of manipulating nature to produce for them. It made me realize how much I take all that I have for granted; the berries on the shelves in the grocery store, the meat already processed for me.
The red dirt took a toll on our shoes!
When we finished off the evening at Shark Bay, we were all gathered around the fire listening to the traditional melody of the didgeridoo. I could not help but think how hospitable everyone had been for our large group on the trip. Everyone we had encountered had been so friendly and willing to help us. As Capes spoke a few final words of wisdom to our group I just gazed at the millions of stars that were painted across the sky. With my feet in the red dirt of the north and my heart open and willing to be fed with the Aboriginal knowledge, Capes explained that when you are able to speak to the earth, and truly listen to its response, you will find yourself at peace and withholding respect for the creation you have been blessed with.
Michael and I made a great kayaking duo...we trusted each other enough that we were both standing and rowing at one point!
Kayakers with style
Our fishing crew after we accidentally caught a shark in our fishing net (don't worry it didn't have teeth!!)
We had to walk the net out into the water, so you can about imagine our reactions when he told us we had caught that shark!
Group shot after a long day of riding in the bus
Yes, I finally got to hold a sea turtle! This little guy is an Olive Riddler sea turtle, which just so happen to be the rarest breed around!!!
Michael and I made a great kayaking duo...we trusted each other enough that we were both standing and rowing at one point!
With those final words and photos, I have to say that our excursion far surpassed anything I could have hoped for our group. It was definitely memorable and taught be so much about being open to learning, even when you are unsure of how that learning may force change upon your own life. It will be an experience not soon forgotten.
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