Dr. John A. KingIndigenous Australian. 100% Human. Neo-Noir Novelist. Poet. Speaker. Performance coach. More than a Survivor. Terrible Golfer, Awkward Dancer🕺

Warumungu White Band Clan

12 Sept 2024 · 2 min

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2:28

In this monologue, Dr. John A. King speaks on behalf of the Warumungu/Wurramunggu White Band Clan, asserting a continuous 45,000‑year presence on their country, Manu. He recounts the creation story—Manu formed from earth, man and woman created equal, each with complementary law (men’s law and women’s law) that together constitute the clan’s sacred law. King contrasts Indigenous self‑identification with colonial labels, emphasizing shared humanity beneath skin colour. He details the violent impacts of colonisation: enslavement, poisoned water sources, sexual violence, and forced removal of children. The speaker declares the urgency of sharing and preserving the clan’s unwritten lore, songs, and the expansive songline of the “dog” that stretches from Manu to Russia. He calls on non‑Indigenous allies to help safeguard these cultural assets and the land for future generations, ending with a proud affirmation of the White Band Clan’s identity and a plea for collaborative stewardship.

Chapters

Before the Egyptians built temples, we built homes. Before Europeans grew crops, we cultivated our land. Before Rome or Greece were even a thought, we had law and culture. You say we are from Australia. We say we are from Manu, country, our country. A country that we have peacefully lived in and thrived in for over 45,000 years. After the Creator made Manu, from the clay of the ground he made man, from the side of the man he made woman, and he created them equal to walk side by side through life. Separate but together. Men's law and women's law. Together, one law. Our law. You call us Aboriginal, You look at us and see a color, a difference. We look at you and we see Umbrani, people from the clay, human, all the same underneath. These teachings are our sacred law. You wanted gold, we showed you shiny rocks. In return, you made us slaves. You wanted water, we showed you our sacred nappasites. You filled them with poison so we could not drink. You couldn't drive us away, so you decided to breed the black out. By raping our wives and stealing our children. It is time for us to tell our story, a story that has never been told, a lore that has never been shared, to show you places that have never been seen but must be preserved for all time, to sing the songlines that started in the heart of Manu and extended to Russia, the song of the dog. Why now? Because the journey has taken its toll. We want our songs, our lore, and our wisdom preserved for all Imbrani, For all time. We stand proud. We stand tall. But we need the help of friends and allies. We need to save our songs. We need to save our lore. We need to save Manu. And Brani from all nations, will you walk with us and sit with us and help us preserve what we have for those that come behind us? We are the Wurramunggu White Band Clan.