Learning

My time in Yulara, out near Uluru, was special. I'll be reflecting on it for a long time to come. I'm taking a risk by sharing some very preliminary reflections based on my limited experience here.

I learned an incredible amount about the indigenous people of Australia - about their culture and about their struggles. I see many similarities with Native American and African American issues, but there are also some very unique issues.

Our host, Craig, discovered his culture later in life but he is so passionate and curious and wants to teach others. There is clear racism in this country - even by the people that want to "side with" and preserve aboriginal culture. Not intentional of course, but obvious.

It is so difficult to comment on these complicated issues of race and culture. I know very little about the history, the problems and therefore the solutions, but it seems especially problematic that people aren't asking a lot of questions. What do the traditional land owners want? Why are we assuming the want modern white culture? It feels like their only option is assimilation and that is just not fair.

This experience illuminates even more for me the problems with our culture of power - white, european, male culture. It also reaffirms my desire to continue to work for equality. How can I reject white privilege and play a role in move us closer to equality for all?

Most of my experiences in Yulara were centered around learning about aboriginal culture but we also met a guy, Chris Hill, that owns and runs the Uluru Camel Tours. We really benefitted from Craig's networking skills! After a sunset camel ride we joined Chris for some drinks. He is SO passionate about his work. Chris traveled across all five Australian deserts with wild camels that he tamed all before he was 21. He does what he loves and that is the reason he does it well. I am passionate about equality but struggle with figuring out how to do something tangible with it. I am thinking more and more seriously about two options:

1. Entrepreneur. Run my own company that employs people needing help - i.e. work skills education. Similar to Charlotte's King's Kitchen approach.
2.  Local politics. It's becoming clearer and clearer to me that change happens from the ground up. Local then national. I want to help make change locally and help our communities get their voices hear.

Neither of these are "careers" to return to and I'm still not ready to go back to work, but it's a good sign that I'm thinking about what's next. I feared I might never bring myself back to a career. I don't miss work the way I thought I would. I do miss being a part of a movement but still consider myself part of it.