23rd of August 1966.
Right now, I'm at Mindi creek, sitting with two hundred or so other indigenous workers and their families. We all left the Wave Hill Station today, after years upon years of being mistreated, unfairly paid, our land being stripped from us, the whites killing a lot of our people and much more. All of us decided we had enough of those prejudiced whites and we should protest. It is nice here though, sitting around the campfire, telling stories but mostly just being free prejudiced land ‘owners. We have no idea how long this will last or what we will do from here, the only thing I know is I am not returning to the station till some change has been made.
I'm feeling so many different emotions right now. I'm feeling excited, anxious and worried. My legs are aching as we just went on a 30 kilometer walk to this campsite. Everyone is resting after this long day. But I can guarantee you that everyone is still wide-awake pondering like me of what is to come next. I think we should try and persuade the government of the horrible deeds they have committed to us and how we should get at least some of our land back. the campfire is slowly dying now, and everyone is starting to fall asleep. I might end the entry for today but I will write soon
7th June 1972
It has been six years since the strike started, right now we are in a camp site in Victoria. I am lying down in my small tent right now on a uncomfortable piece of land and very light sleeping bag. We are starting to get recognized by the people of Australia. Hopefully this will spread our names around causing to be more known. Some people are listening to us but most people are ignoring us. I have to admit I am getting homesick but this has to be done. I know that our men and families are getting sick of this and almost want to return to their old lives, but I trust that this will all be over soon. We are starting to get more acknowledge by people high up or in parliament.
We are worried that our land could've been turned into big buildings and houses like the city of Victoria. It is great to be hearing of other people who want civil rights across the worlds like Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela. It is very inspiring and it is great to know that we are a part of this worldwide movement. I hope that I am alive when more change is made, and every race and gender are equal. The stars are beautiful tonight, but not as nice as at my home in Gurindji. I will wrap up my entry for the day as I need sleep for big days like today.
16th august 1975.
After nine long years it finally happened. We got our land back. I can't tell you how many emotions were rushing through me at that time. Mainly it was joy. Joy that this protest was over, joy that we have our land back and joy we can finally live our lives in our land without being forced to work by the white workers. When Gough Whitlam handed me the soil and declared it Gurindji land, I thought I was in a dream. It just seemed to perfect. My heart is still racing, and I don’t think it will stop for a very long time.
It felt the best returning into our old homes. It was so comforting like you had finally returned a long holiday. Everybody didn’t know what to do after being away from home for so long. We all set up camp like on the first night of strike, (after going around the station). After that we did not do much. We made dinner then everyone went off and did their own thing. This has been the best day of my life, and I hope this leaves a chain reaction of first nation people getting their land back. I hope I inspire other people to fight for what is right and other complications in the world. Now that I reflect over the whole experience, I believe it was worthwhile and if I could do it again I definitely would. This will be it from me today, until next time.