The late Maui Pomare prior to his death had initiated dialogue with many Australian institutions in requesting for the Repatriation of Ko iwi Maori and Mokomokai. His overtures have been continued with Walter Waipara and the Mokomokai unit at Te Papa executing Repatriation's the late pioneer hadn't completed before his untimely death. I lived for 10 years as an entertainer in Australia and I am able to tour there frequently right up to this day. I have over the years been able to make friends with several Aboriginal people both in the Entertainment and Media field. Among them the Bostock Brothers Lester and Chester who removed a MAKUTU (Maori Curse) put on me. The ceremony was witness by my agent Anne Keating and my cousin Letty Rio. I had visited many Maori Tohunga but their Karakia was not strong enough. I am alive today because of them.To you Lester & Chester goes my love & eternal indebtedness. And thanks to you both I am able to continue my work. For those sceptics who dont believe in Makutu Tapu and other Sacred beliefs of my people and other Indigenous peoples you are the "Fool". Because you are Caucasian or possess a white skin dose not spare you. In the words of the late Ngoi Pewhairangi "Respect or Regret." The many days I ventured into Karingai Chase and the Australian Bush I was always aware of the status of tangata Whenua, the reverence and totality of my Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters. In the 70's thru my association with Sherbet I was also exposed to Aboriginal Art and culture visiting many small specialist galleries whenever we were on tour. It pleased me that many Museums in Australia have heeded the cry for the return of Aboriginal Tribal remains and Artefacts to the people of the land. My former Tour manager and Promoter Richard Michaleff had a long association with CAAMA, the Central Australian, Aboriginal, Media Association and he now handles our affairs in Australia for the Mokomokai Education Trust. Now I have a true Aboriginal Family, Bobby McCleod and the Doonooch Dancers are whanau. Bobby married my spunky cousin Christine and we have done several tours together both here in NZ and recently in Australia at the Waitangi 2000 Concert at Bondi Pavillion.We have decided to Amalgamate with other Indigenous peoples and have a combined Amada to confront Museums and Institutions worldwide who retain our Ancestors. Check out the Happenings of our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters at : http://www.bloorstreet.com/300block/aborintl.htm#4 Na Dalvanius Director Mokomokai Education Trust. |