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The Message Stick:
Australia’s first Aboriginal Languages Bill |
Message sticks have been used in Aboriginal societies to communicate over large distances and across boundaries between clans or nations. The messages engraved or painted on the sticks can be understood across different languages and share information through time when they are passed on through generations.
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Image: Message stick, NSW Parliamentary Archives |
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The Legislative Council chamber is home to this particular message stick, which was presented by Aboriginal language practitioners during the ceremonies surrounding the introduction of the Aboriginal Languages Bill 2017. The bill acknowledged that Aboriginal languages are part of an Aboriginal person’s culture and identity and established an Aboriginal Languages Trust to coordinate and resource Aboriginal language activities to ‘reawaken, nurture and grow Aboriginal languages’. This legislation was the first of its kind in Australia. |
To mark the significance of the introduction of this groundbreaking legislation, a number of unique and unprecedented procedures were adopted, including a smoking ceremony in the Parliament’s forecourt and a message stick ceremony in the chamber, conducted by a number of elders and representatives of different Aboriginal language groups. The message stick was passed from speaker to speaker before being given to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Sarah Mitchell. Elders Uncle Gary Williams and Aunty Irene Harrington were invited to take seats on the dais next to the President.
During her speech on the bill, Minister Mitchell invited Dr Ray Kelly to speak, the first time a non-member was allowed to address the House during formal proceedings, or speak in language.
The message stick accompanied the bill on its journey through both Houses and was placed on the Table every time the bill was debated. After the bill passed both Houses, the message stick remained with the Legislative Council and members resolved that it be displayed permanently in the chamber. They also agreed that during special occasions such as the opening of Parliament, the message stick be removed by an Aboriginal elder who will address the House in language before the message stick is placed on the Table. The message stick serves as a physical reminder of the aims of the legislation, symbolising the Aboriginal languages spoken in New South Wales.
The message stick was created by Sheldon Harrington of the Bundjalung Nation.
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