“Swimming the River” is how Wunan Chairman Ian Trust explains the key issues facing Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley. The diagram depicts the impact of European settlement, challenge for many Aboriginal people to adapt to the changing environment and damage to people and culture that has resulted.
It also proposes a solution – Living Change – whereby Aboriginal people accept responsibility for their future, capitalise on their abilities and, with help, learn to “swim the river” and prosper from the opportunities that exist across the region and beyond.
Rural Lifestyle Options Australia are committed to building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures as part of our commitment to reconciliation in Australia.