| Friday, 06 January 2012 09:15 |
Resistance warrior Dundalee celebrated in BrisbaneHundreds of people gathered in Brisbane to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Indigenous freedom fighter Dundalee. Activists, supporters and elders from around the region gathered at the city's Post Office Square where Dundalee was hung after years of resistance over 150 years ago. Dundalee was an Aboriginal warrior who fought against European colonialism. The gathering featured traditional dances, a mourning ceremony and a number of public speakers. Aboriginal activist and Kooma man Wayne Wharton (pictured; centre) says the commemoration is important to educate people about Aboriginal history. Wayne Wharton: It's important to tell the stories of our heroes, of the people that fought and died for this country and tried to oppose the invasion of this country. It's important that these stories are told of these warriors so that our people and our young warriors get the right idea about our people - that we weren't just a mob of stoneage people that sat around eating and hunting whilst our country was stolen, our women were raped and our children murdered. Voice ends. Mr Wharton also says it's ironic that Dundalee was hung in the same place the city now celebrates its ANZAC soldiers. Wayne Wharton: It's ironic that the place that they hung him is that same place that the white people have chosen to honour their war heroes at ANZAC Square...All their military and their warriors honoured by statues and that within that part and it's irony that Dundalee was hung down the oppsite end. Voice ends. Attendees of the event say approximately 30 police officers were present at Post Office Square. Click here to listen to NIRS journalist Thomas Wright's full interview with Wayne Wharton |
