Contemporary Urban Indigenous 'Dreamings': Connection, Ceremony and Practice

Abstract

My son Ngiyaani is turning ten years old and already has played football, both rugby and soccer for five years. Ngiyaani has always played above his own age group with boys who continue to be a year older. At first he would rely on his pace and elusive running to remain not only competitive but at times dominate games having scored over 100 tries early into his fourth season. Last year he asked me if he could play in his own age group for the first time... the year's difference was finally beginning to show as the boys around were became bigger stronger faster. I told Ngiyaani the story of Warabaa the turtle who long ago in the Dreamtime, or 'Burruguu' in my language was the fastest of all the animals... one day Biami 'The Great Creator' saw Warabaa crying alone in the bush, he asked Warabaa what was wrong?

The other animals jealous of Warabaas great speed would tease him and he could no longer endure their taunts, explained Warabaa. Biarni told Warabaa that he could give him a large shield to protect him and make him stronger, allow his to stand and face the other animals but this would mean that he would lose his great speed. Biami left Warabaa to think about this proposal. Two days later Biami came back to see Warabaa and asked him his decision, Warabaa said that he was tired of running and he wanted the strength to stay and face those who wanted to humiliate him...

Biami provided Warabaa with a great shield that covered his back entirely allowing him to stay and face any challenge no matter how great - this was how Warabaa the Turtle got his shield. 1 Ngiyaani continued to play above his own age group and recently was chosen to play both representative soccer and is currently part of an elite development squad in rugby.