Conclusion

CUSTODIANS WELCOME
to the Karen People of Burma

Conclusion by Reg Blow

The idea of connecting with Aboriginal people of this country was very much what the Karen was after. An alliance with Aboriginal people. This is why they invited me, as an Aboriginal person to their social cultural gatherings, in particular their festivals ie: the Karen New Year and the Karen Larko Kiesu (Wrist Tying) Ceremony.

On one such an occasion I was inducted as an associate Elder along with other non-Karen people, to perform the ceremony of tying wrists of people in the audience who came on stage to have their wrist tied and to affirm the legacy of their ancestors. It was during the tying of the wrist the Elder would say the following verses to the initiate: "Affirmation of Ancestors Legacy”

* Be united with your Mother, Father, Grandparents and Ancestors.

* Remember their gifts of cultural values, particularly that of sharing and caring for one another passed onto them from generation to generation.

* Hold fast to those values and practices, never going astray from these all the days of your life.

On other occasions, I would play the didjeridoo and maybe say something in relation to Aboriginal issues or a topical item of the day ie: Sorry day, NAIDOC Week, ATSIC or the Stolen Generations. I was always treated with the highest regard and respect which is why I recommended these people and also because they are Indigenous people from another land who needed to be connected to the new land they will be making their home.