Abie loy kemarre biography of georgetown

Dr George would occasionally arrive covered in red ochre with his red ceremonial headband, accompanied by a small group of countrymen to the government gallery, the Centre for Aboriginal Artists. Established in 1972, it was where visitors from various communities would stop by to see who was in town.

He had a strong presence that demanded respect, similar to other people I remember him interacting with, amongst others, other important elders such as Kaapa Tjampitjinpa (traditional owner of Papunya), Dinny Nolan Tjampitjinpa (well known as the most senior Rain maker), and Nosepeg Tjupurrula OBE, considered by many as a genius with his extensive knowledge.

Although tired and dusty from the return from a long trip back from ceremony, at times, several cars full of men seemed to glow from the empowerment of the past couple of weeks, preparing for and then completing ceremony.

In December it was generally large ceremonies that involved both men and women whereas young men’s initiation ceremonies (Malliera) were at various other times.

One August in the late 1980’s, I remember the fear in the Yuendumu community and how a whole grandstand of football watchers vacated quickly when the message spread that there was a group dancing and kicking up dust in that direction.