Vision and Mission statement

The vision and Mission statement

The vision of sustainable development and giving back to the Euahlayi Bhurrahs (Peoples) is underpinned by the need to re-establish the ancient governance that has witnessed the Bhurrahs’ ability to survive at least two Ice Ages and climate changes over the past 37,000 years. This is evidenced by the fact that the ancient songline Wugheeghuy (Stories of the Dreaming Creation) speak of these experiences.

This Vision and Mission Statement is for the future generations, through the development of the individual, and re-establishing ancient customary societal norms, in particular reconnecting with our environment through a holistic connection by way of our totemic association and thus creating obligations to Bhurrah and Country, by way of integrating ecology, economy, society and cultural life, which is our blue print for the establishment of, and control of, all humanity through our ancient governing methodologies.

The vision requires the Bhurrahs of the Euahlayi to decolonise now through our claim of ownership to all that was taken from us without our ancestors’ free prior and informed consent. The Bhurrahs of the Euahlayi are asserting their right to be self-determining on and within our lands and to be self-governing as sovereign Burrahs under our Laws, culture and customary practices.

Our vision and mission are underpinned by strict values, which are directing the Euahlayi to establish appropriate institutional programs that will lend weight and authority for the Euahlayi to be a self-governing, self-sustaining society for the wellbeing of all humanity.

INTRODUCTION

Thomas Mitchell is accredited with being the first British invader into our Euahlayi country, having travelled up the Narran River in 1846. It is now known that the People with whom Mitchell came into contact with were the Nyoongahburrah. The site where this contact took place is at a location where the original Bangate ‘Run’ station, was set up around 35 years later and where Katie Llangloh-Parker communicated with and recorded much of the Euahlayi stories and customs, which were published in Katie Llangloh-Parker’s book, The Euahlayi Tribe and the stories of the tribe were later published as stories of the NyoongharBhurrah in a series called Australian Legendary Tales.

What was not known was the fact that white squatter invaders had already reached the Ngemba country south of the Ghurralar, (pronounced Karular) Barwon river. The area that the British squatters had reached was a place now known as Yarraman, between modern day townships of Brewarrina and Carinda, east of the Bogan River at least twelve months prior to Mitchell’s arrival in the same vicinity. There were three men who had arrived into this country, and who had gone further west and crossed the Barwon River to a location on the creek now called the Cato. The names of these men are known to us. They were William Forrester, Glen Skuthorpe and Con Bride. These men entered into the Lands of the Euahlayi around 1847, having crossed the river from the Ngemba Nation to the Euahlayi bibbleBhurrah bibbleBhurrah clan’s country. Con Bride squatted on an area of land he called Quantambone. Unfortunately for the bibbleBhurrah bibbleBhurrah clan, Con Bride, the squatter, organised their Massacre in 1848, during a period when the men and women were separated because of ceremonial activities. Included in this Massacre were members of the Ngemba, Burranbindjar and Murrawarri Nations.

We know that there were two bibbleBhurrah bibbleBhurrah survivors of this massacre and one other at the creek now called Hospital Creek. They were children. The Bhurrah of the Euahlayi have maintained silence for the past 170 years, the Bhurrahs of the Euahlayi have now risen to reclaim that which is ours. There has never been any land conveyancing, nor have the Euahlayi had a war declared against them. Consequently, there has never been any treaty of surrender with the invader state of Britain. The Euahlayi Nation remains unconquered and our Peoples have never ceded, nor relinquished their sovereignty.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE IDEA

Having travelled the world looking at liberated countries that were once governed by their colonisers, I have not seen an experience such as that referred to below. This is a model that cannot be ignored by all those who have aspirations to be free living in worlds that acknowledge the Creation and all that it provides. In this regard I acknowledge the establishment of an idea that became a reality.

When Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish returned to Egypt in 1977 to start the SEKEM initiative he had a strong vision deep in his heart:

“In the midst of sand and desert I see myself standing before a well drawing water. Carefully I plant trees, herbs and flowers and wet their roots with the precious drops. The cool well water attracts human beings and animals to refresh and quicken themselves. Trees give shade, the land turns green, fragrant flowers bloom, insects, birds and butterflies show their devotion to God, the creator, as if they were citing the first Sura of the Qu’ran. The human, perceiving the hidden praise of God, care for and see all that is created as a reflection of paradise on earth. For me this idea of an oasis in the middle of a hostile environment is like an image of the resurrection at dawn, after a long journey through the nightly desert. I saw it in front of me like a model before the actual work in the desert started. And yet in reality I desired even more: I wanted the whole world to develop.”

The following aspirations of the Euahlayi Nation and its Bhurrahs going forward are inspired by this experience.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
IN SAVANNAH WOODLAND AND FLOODPLAINS

Major religions share the idea that humanity is appointed as a steward on earth, who has to sustain and develop it. In the case of the Euahlayi Nation, the Bhurrahs have connections to country through our totemic association with all things natural. Our obligation to all things natural is because of family connection. In this regard, we have an obligation to ensure that development of any kind must always have concern for the impacts that development may have upon the life cycles of the natural world. All efforts are required to limit any consequential collateral damage to the environment and all that lives within.

In accordance with this approach, our governing principle is not only to reduce our ecological footprint, but to spread life and to contribute towards a better and healthier condition of the land and the people, with whom we live and work. This is the only way to create and sustain nurturing conditions for our ancient lands and water. If we fail to observe these principles when resources run short, future generations will suffer from climate change, but more importantly it will contribute to the altering of what we know as the natural. A responsible and holistic approach is necessary to face these problems. We thus commit ourselves to establishing a sustainable life style and furthering development in respect of all ecological spheres for future generations. Our Nation will strive to develop our naturally occurring fruits and edible plants and place them at the centre of our development going forward.

ETHICAL AND FAIR BUSINESS PRACTICE

In this modern era, societies around the world are characterised by the division of labour into economic activities including classes of people. The Euahlayi seek to alter the way we view each other. Through cooperation, values are created and then exchanged as products and services. In this exchange, it is essential that those creating the values be rewarded for all their efforts with a fair income.

This income must enable them, within their social environment, to achieve and to improve personal and families’ life circumstances into the future. We are aware that to achieve our ambitious targets we need reliable business partners. Therefore, we are establishing a cooperative network of value creation for a relationship, based on fair exchanges that will ensure true and long-term sustainability contributing to a healthy and wealth-based society, which looks after Mother Nature. Mother Nature will provide all that we require. This is fundamental for sustainable development of a sustainable economy into the future.

PROVIDING FOR THE POTENTIAL OF EACH INDIVIDUAL

As a priority for our Nation, we intend to establish a sustainable cultural and educational development program as a means to achieving individual human development and advancement.

The Euahlayi Nation will provide for the teachings of the Gommerra (Creation) through the Borah (ceremony). It is untrue that the Euahalyi have lost their ancient knowledge and teachings. Every effort is currently being made to retain the cultural and customary norms, as they existed prior to invasion and occupation of our lands and waters.

The process of retaining and continuing the ancient teachings will be the subject of decision-making by the holders of the Law and customs. Through the teaching of language, dance and songs, ancient ceremonial Borah will commence at a time when access to sacred lands and ceremonial sites is obtained and secrecy can be guaranteed.

In this case, we will endeavour to promote and advance a future pathway for every individual without prejudice. It is intended that all future activities and teaching are to be inclusive and not exclusive. Having learnt the ancient stories, our people need to be guided to their individual inspirational sources, whether these are sciences, philosophy, religion, arts or beauty. This can only be achieved through freedom in cultural life, through the establishment of connections with all knowledge and cultures through a global network. Therefore, free education and spiritual development of all human beings must be the highest priority.
Through a holistic approach every individual is able to unfold his/her full potential and skills and enables himself/herself to improve his/her own life and contribute to the development of the community and country that we know as the Euahlayi.

PROMOTING A PEACEFUL SOCIETY

The Euahlayi Nation and its Bhurrahs are guided in their life’s experiences to always have RESPECT and DIGNITY for every individual within our community and Nation, and in the broader outside communities. These are the guiding principles that we use to create human relationships.
The Euahlayi Code of Conduct explicitly states our commitment to protect and advocate for human rights in all our activities and spheres of influence. In all the steps of our value chain, we strive to provide and support fair wages, as well as healthy and safe work places.
The Euahlayi are strongly committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A peaceful and sustainable society can only be built on equal rights and opportunities. Hence, we strengthen the integration of women and other minorities who seek to become part of the Euahlayi, either as citizens or dual citizens, permanent residents, in all parts and aspects of Euahlayi life.
Tolerance, Respect and Dignity of the real person is our motto, including but not limited to, their customs and/ or chosen religious and spiritual beliefs.

Ghillar
Michael Anderson
Head of State of Euahlayi Peoples Republic

8 April 2018