There is a place near Wentworth where the Darling River (the Barka) and the Murray River meet.

These rivers are at the heart of the Murray Darling Basin which covers over 1 million square kilometres and is where we grow around one third of Australia’s food supply. The basin is a vital part our Australian landscape.

The rivers meet at a place the locals call Snake Island (it is also known as Junction Island). Across a footbridge is a beautiful walk to the point where you can see the different waters meet. The Barka is a clay-based river and contrasts with the colour of the Murray River as the waters start to mix together.

This junction of these two rivers is an important place for the Barkindji People (which means people of the Barka), and carries stories in the many scar trees, burial sites and meeting places that are recognisable there. If you are passing through, make some time to take it in. It is a special place to stand and wonder.

The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week is All In, inviting all of us to join with Indigenous peoples to learn together about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. And there are many ways we can do this, perhaps you might like to turn up at a reconciliation event near you. You could read a book, watch a a documentary, or take a tour of local sites and stories. Or you might want to find out more about investing in our First Nations Leadership Fund or our First Nations Immersion Trips.

The two rivers have no choice as they mix together. But we do. We can take steps towards our Indigenous neighbours and friends. But we can also choose to stand still or even move away from Indigenous Peoples.

What would it look like for you to move towards by listening, learning and living with compassionate action?

I live at the other end of the river on Ngarrindjeri Country, where the Murray River eventually enters the sea. It is a long way from Wentworth to Goolwa, but I am connected to what happens when these two Rivers mix. I am also praying for our shared future as I imagine what the future can look like if we take steps to move towards our Indigenous neighbour.

Resources:

• Common Grace has developed an excellent suite of resources around the NRW theme, as explored through a Christian and First Nations lens. Request resources via their website and they will be immediately emailed to you.
• First Australians in a seven episode documentary on SBS that shares the history of Australia from an Indigenous peoples’ perspective, beginning with the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney and ending in 1993 with Eddie Kolki Mabo’s legal challenge.
• Lowitja is an authorised biography of Lowitja O’Donoghue, former Australian of the Year and one of Australia’s most respected and recognisable Indigenous leaders.
• Reconciliation Australia has a range of resources as well as information about NRW events in your area. Your local council website should also highlight NRW events in your area.

Respond:

• Our First Nations Leadership Fund is a newly established fund that will invest in emerging First Nations faith leaders. Your support will empower, train and champion current and future leaders.
• First Nations Immersion Experiences are 3 day cultural learning tours where small groups are invited to come alongside our Indigenous communities. These are run as a collaboration between Baptist Mission Australia and Global Mission Partners.