My name is Manymiya. That's my Aboriginal name, but everyone knows me as Obby. I'm a Bunuba language speaking Miliwundi clan woman, and I've got a story to share with you about the Martuwarra River – one that goes to the heart of why we must protect it.
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Bunuba is one of the hardest languages to learn. We are people of the River – it’s often said that it sounds like we’re holding water in our mouths. Our language literally comes from the land. The River has always been a part of my life, I grew up right next to it. I don't even remember learning how to swim – I just remember that I always knew how. Now as an adult, I'll go down to the River with my dogs and just sit. The air just smells so nice down here. There's this feeling of peace that’s hard to describe. You just feel good. You feel right. Whether you're having a bad day or a good one, the River makes it better. It's that feeling of home. |
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This land is woven all the way through with water. |
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Here’s what I know to be true: humans need to be part of nature. If we aren't part of nature, then we aren't happy, we aren't whole, and we aren't fulfilled. We are animals with the gift of language. And we need to use that gift to fight for land, water and Country. If people took water from the river, or contaminated it, people would suffer physically and emotionally. We rely on the river as an emotional resource as well as a food source. Without it, this simply wouldn't be the place that it is. This is the River lands. The Martuwarra is a resource, but not one for us to take or steal from because it is its own living being. And it supports all the other living beings on this Country. Water feeds everything. It sustains all the plants, animals and people. This river has formed my identity, my peace, my home, my language. It has brought life to countless generations. My vision for the future is simple: I want to see the Martuwarra here as it is, thriving and untouched. |
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But right now, the Martuwarra faces threats that could change it forever. That's why I'm asking you to stand with me. Together, we can ensure that future generations will know the feeling of sitting by these waters, breathing in that beautiful air, and feeling the deep peace that comes from being connected to Country. Thank you for listening to my story. Thank you for caring about our River, |
