By Martin Iltis
ADELAIDE — Diane Bell's book, Ngarrindjeri Wurruwarrin: a world that is, was, and will be, was launched here on August 26. More than 300 people crammed Way Hall for the launch of the most thorough and accessible anthropological study of the Ngarrindjeri people to date.
The atmosphere was celebratory and emotional. The Ngarrindjeri and their supporters were elated at the publication of a serious work that concurs with the concerns of Ngarrindjeri women over the building of a bridge at Hindmarsh Island.
Bell's study directly contradicts the Hindmarsh Island Royal Commission, which found that construction of a bridge at Hindmarsh Island would not violate the cultural and spiritual rights of the Ngarrindjeri people.
Central to this finding was the commission's contention that the Ngarrindjeri women fabricated stories that claimed that construction of a bridge would disturb sacred sites.
Bell spent two and a half years researching and writing the book. She told the audience at the launch that her study relied on a multitude of sources that confirmed the authenticity of an oral history passed down by generations of Ngarrindjeri, in both song and word.
Her research shows that the Ngarrindjeri have a complex system of feelings, beliefs and stories, which uphold the Ngarrindjeri women's case against the construction of the bridge. Bell stated that Ngarrindjeri stories had not been told before.
Bell's long-time friend and academic colleague, Faye Gale, described the book as a "compelling account that demands to be read". Although the book was a meticulous piece of scholarship, it was also very readable and accessible, she said.
Ngarrindjeri speakers at the launch agreed the book was a true account of the feelings of Ngarrindjeri people and that it accurately dealt with Ngarrindjeri culture and heritage.
They commended Bell's sensitivity to and respect for the Ngarrindjeri people, contrasting this approach to that of the various government inquiries and commissions that have accused the Ngarrindjeri women of being fabricators.
Dr Doreen Kartinyeri, one of the Ngarrindjeri subjected to a vicious slur campaign by sections of the media, said the real fabricators were the media and politicians, who are more interested in commercial profits than the beliefs of Aboriginal people.
The book launch closed with a passionate performance by Ngarrindjeri women singers.
About 100 people from the launch marched to the attorney general's office. Stephen Kenney, a lawyer for the Ngarrindjeri women, attempted to lodge a new appeal under section 25 of the Heritage Protection Act against construction of the Hindmarsh Island bridge.
The Ngarrindjeri people believe Bell's book provides indisputable evidence construction will violate their rights.
Ngarrindjeri Wurruwarrin: a world that is, was, and will be, by Diane Bell, is published by Spinifex Press and costs $29.95.