Visitors should be aware that this Research Guide may contain images or documentation relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are deceased.
Mount St Benedict College acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ancestors have walked this country and we acknowledge their special and unique place in our nation’s historical, cultural and linguistic identity.
Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr (AO) is an Aboriginal elder from Nauiyu (Daly River), where she served for many years as the principal of the local Catholic primary school. She is a renowned artist, activist, writer and public speaker.
The Indigenous People of Australia have a depth of spirituality that can enrich our NonIndigenous spirits in so many ways. One of these spiritual gifts is Dadirri. Take a little time to reflectively read the following article and message from a remarkable, spirit -filled Aboriginal Woman from Daly River, Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann. Having grasped a sense of this rich Indigenous gift, consider using, in some way, the suggestions which follow the article.
Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson retired from formal academic work at the end of 2010. She researched and co-authored the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Task Force on Violence Report for the Queensland government. Her book, Trauma Trails – Recreating Songlines The transgenerational effects of Trauma in Indigenous Australia, was shortlisted for an Australian Human Rights Award. In 2006 she won the Carrick Neville Bonner Award for her curriculum development and innovative teaching practice.
In 2011 she received the Fritz Redlich Award for Human Rights and Mental Health, from the Harvard University Global Mental Health Trauma and Recovery program, of which she is a graduate. She is presently Patron of the We Al-li Trust, as she continues to work across Australia and in Papua New Guinea on community based violence – trauma specific recovery programs.
She worked with the University of Wollongong in the development of specialized postgraduate programs such as the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma Care and Recovery Practice designed specifically to build an Indigenous trauma skilled workforce.
A Gift To The Nation. In Miriam’s language, ‘Dadirri’, is the practise of Deep Inner Listening and quiet still awareness, which connects us and nurtures spiritual well-being.
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann is a former school principal and community elder in the Top End community of Nauiyu in the Northern Territory, Australia. Ms Ungunmerr Baumann is now teaching Australians about ancient Indigenous spiritually and how it can be used as a form of meditation and mindfulness in today's busy world. Ms Baumann has coined the practice 'Dadirri' - a word that describes inner deep listening, awareness and connection to nature. ABC reporter and presenter Eleni Roussos travels to Nauiyu to meet Miriam-Rose and to learn about Dadirri. We join a group of Victorian school teachers who've travelled to the remote community to learn from the world's oldest living culture.
Aboriginal people practice deep listening, an almost spiritual skill, based on respect. Sometimes called 'dadirri', deep listening is inner, quiet, still awareness, and waiting.
Dadirri recognises the inner spirit that calls us to reflection and contemplation of the wonders of all God's creation. Within a deep silence we attempt to find the inner self, the perfect peace and the experience of God embracing us.