Indigenous community celebrates mission centenary

Natasha Percy | 29 September 2008

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The indigenous community devoted a whole week to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries to Arnhem Land as they sailed up the Roper River.

“I thank the missionaries and our old people who helped them establish the mission,” said indigenous church leader, Andrew Robertson. “The missionaries brought the light to my people: the truth about Jesus Christ.”

The three indigenous Christians and three white CMS missionaries had started the mission as a refuge for Aboriginal people, who were being shot by hunting parties. The community that formed around the mission eventually made up eight clan groups.

On August 27 – the actual date of the arrival – hundreds of locals and visitors drove out to the Old Mission to watch a reenactment of the landing, bringing from their boat a white covered Kriol Baibul. Church leaders, former indigenous council presidents and a number of elders spoke at a thanksgiving service afterwards.

“I hope that the next generation will carry on having this celebration of 100 years, when the missionaries brought the Good News about Jesus Christ to Old Roper River and also saved a lot of our people from extermination,” said Mr Robertson. “Otherwise this generation now living in Ngukurr would not have been here today”.

CMS missionary Peter Berthon adds: “Indigenous speakers also expressed their gratitude for the skills they gained in the mission days as they worked alongside missionaries, gaining the same competency as mechanics, builders, teachers, preachers and stockmen.” Missionaries in turn spoke of “their memories and love and hopes for the people”.

Activities included slide and video shows of Ngukurr in the past, bush raft races, sporting grand finals and a Battle of the Bands, spear throwing (with cardboard kangaroo as a target) and the opening of a commemorative Centenary Garden. Christian singer/songwriter Colin Buchanan put on a concert as well, along with a giant birthday cake. Events reminiscent of ‘the mission days’ included sack races, women’s AFL, sprint races and a ‘greasy pole’ competition.

Another facet of the celebrations has been the publication of three books: One Land One Saviour, by mulitiple authors; Refuge on the Roper, by former missionary Murray Seifert and We are Aboriginal, a book of stories and photos that CMS missionaries Peter and Lyndy Berthon have worked with the local community to produce.”It has been wonderful to see the excitement and pride of local people at having their own book by them and for them and to see their joy at reading the stories and especially looking at photos of family and showing these to each other,” Mr Berthon said.

“This is a special milestone for the community and all those who have been connected to its history over the past century, and is an opportunity for us all to remember some of the positive people and events to come out of Ngukurr,” said member for Arnhem, Malarndirri McCarthy.

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