Introducing re-membering conversations
by Tileah Drahm-Butler
Re-membering reciprocal relationships
by Chris Dolman
A reflection from Aunty Barbara Wimgard
Now please read a reflection from Aunty Barbara about Chris’ video:
Bringing lost loved ones into our conversations: Talking about loss in honouring ways.
Who’s your mob? Aboriginal mapping: Beginning with the strong story
This article by Justin Butler describes ways in which his conversations are guided by Aboriginal worldviews and narrative therapy:
‘Who’s your mob? Aboriginal mapping: Beginning with the strong story‘ by Justin Butler
Saying hullo again when we have lost someone we love
This chapter, by David Denborough, explores ways of ‘Saying hullo again when we have lost someone we love‘
It’s from a book called ‘Retelling the stories of our lives: Everyday narrative therapy to draw inspiration and transform experience’
Carolynanha Johnson
Having a yarn with those who’ve passed on.
This short piece of writing by Carolynanha Johnson is about having a yarn with those who have passed on.
Creative Letters to Elders of my Past and Present
In this video Annette Dudley describes a project about writing letters to significant Elders who have influenced her on my life journey.
Re-membering Practices
Now please read this article from Paul Martin about Re-membering Practices.
Reflecting on re-membering conversations
by Tileah Drahm-Butler
Annette Dudley’s letter writing is a great narrative practice of externalising our own genetic DNA and our epic-genetics. It comes together in the form of a pasted descendant from our family and breathing new life into this pasted being.
We connect by the form of ancient communication technique of writing, composing text of conversations with our dead.
But at the same time Annette expresses the importance of listening, as it’s just as important as writing when using narrative letter writing as to listen is to write and form sentences of life in order to live and understand our makeup and past.
thanks
It is difficult to focus on one aspect of this module to comment on. However, one piece that resonated with me and stood out is in Justin Butler’s (2017) article regarding resisting colonization through how we introduce ourselves to one another as Indigenous peoples. As an Indigenous woman, I always understood that this is how my people introduced ourselves (by indicating our family lineage, Nation of origin, etc.), but to look at this through a lens of decolonization has definitely brought new life to this relational interchange of the sharing of family kin and cultural ties, as well as is the starting point for bringing forth our “strong story”. I love this. I am filled with gratitude for being able to learn from these Knowledge Keepers and Wisdom Holders today.
Incredibly detailed descriptions in the article relating to “saying hullo again”. So good to have so many practical examples we can keep and use. Found this concept very appropriate for all clients I see experiencing grief.
I love the idea of “saying hello again”, Denborough’s chapter was full of some wonderful gentle prompts.
I also appreciated the common thread throughout the readings and videos to acknowledge that when we are working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are grieving, to remember the compounded grief of unresolved injustices that their current loss may bring up.
Annette Dudley writes so beautifully, the love and respect for Elders is ever present in her words. This is an inspiring project. Presenting this idea of a letter to someone special would be so powerful, deepening our connection to others and remembering what contributions they have played in our lives. Very special.
I find these journeys of remembering conversations so powerful and I am so grateful for all who shared. Thank you. I really appreciate the various ways these conversations have been embraced to make connections, deepen learning and enrich journeys.
Unspoken Words by Annette Dudley: what a beautiful inspired project. Please include a follow up of the Letters between Elders and Youth. The stories of our Elders can inspire and help strengthen our youth, in turn the youth can provide meaning and connection for our Elders. This is a very worthwhile project.