Abstract
In this paper a collaborative writing group explores how we, two rivers,
express ourselves over time, place and space, our energies long
interpreted as veins and arteries carrying the Country’s life affirming
blood. Voiced as River: I, River, this position reflects a
worldview in which interrelationship with living river is normal, and
River Spirit is ever-present. It is a position underpinned by Indigenous
narratives as riverine expressions of place-based love. At times the
paper is also voiced as writing group or individuals, with voices
being interchanged where required for smooth reading. We see this as
part of the decolonising process, which feels liberating and healing
amongst the writers. Each writer is equally valued as co-creator,
contributor, narrator and story teller. The two Rivers, being Martuwarra
Fitzroy River (Kimberley, Western Australia), and Unamen Shipu Romaine
River (North Shore, Québec, Canada) illustrate a common condition of
being, through heritage, life, change and possibility. Through stories
and voices, the socio-scientific implications of colonisation and lost
connections become clear, considering the interaction, the dialogue and
the cultural synthesis of living water systems that have always
incorporated all life forms into rivers of life. As a way of navigating
towards wholeness, Aboriginal knowledge systems and narratives for
healing are used to bring together findings of this intercultural river
learning journey.