Ngarrindjeri youth and supporters on 'the long walk'

Kumarangk (renamed Hindmarsh Island by privileged white men) is a windswept island on the eastern side of the Fleurieu Peninsular inside the Murray Mouth, South Australia. It was a gathering place for Ngarrendjeri women to fulfil secret rites, but the truth of their tradition has been overturned by a court.

If the developers have their way in 1997, traditional signs will be buried/destroyed under concrete, rubber and tar. Increased vehicular traffic on sea and land, launched from the proposed bridge and marinas, will also undermine a fragile ecosystem.

The Kumarangk Coalition aims to keep the ferry connecting island to mainland moving, and to let land, sacred to us all, live. They have the participation and support of Ngarrendjeri elders who believe in traditional women's business on Kumarangk. One of these women, Dr Doreen Kartinyeri, said at the Living Waters Revival (a Unity Concert on survival night, January 26): It's a pity that it wasn't the Kumarangk Coalition who landed with Captain Cook because then we could have avoided a lot of trouble.'' She also announced that she had resigned from the S.A. Museum. This must have been a dramatic event for a woman who has dedicated her life to researching and documenting her people's past. It is the culmination of a witch hunt led by politicians, journalists and lawyers who proudly uphold their own traditions and fail to leave room for anyone else. Thanks to Aunty Doreen for being such a fighter and good luck with all of her work.

In November, a five day walk from Adelaide to Goolwa - the location of one end of the proposed bridge - consolidated opposition to its construction. But the traditions which preceded the law of Australia's ruling caste have been refused entry into Australian culture. Ngarrendjeri women's spiritual practices, say these arrogant men and their female counterparts (it was a woman who pronounced judgement on this case), are a fabrication. Nobody else knows your secrets so you must be lying is the implication of her finding. Meanwhile secrecy runs government, business, finance and religion in white men's society. The contradictions are nauseating.

Only national and international activism around this issue will prevent further desecration. Ring the Kumarangk Coalition today on (08) 8223 5155, or send donations to Kumarangk Coalition, 120 Wakefield St, Adelaide, SA, 5000.