The Chamber of Commerce has been so pleased to connect with Ooray Yidindji. Having met her once previously during Metamui’s visit to Gimuy, we learned via her feedback after the event and also via email correspondence that she loved the work that the Chamber was doing. We understood that Ooray’s father had been instrumental in the process of founding the Yidindji Government and we let her know that we would love to stay in touch.
It is true that since the Chamber’s launch two and a half years ago, few of our members have been of Yidindji bloodline. Most of us have been adopted into this ancient tribe thanks to the generosity of the Yidindji bloodline elders, namely Uncle Bumi, and up until he left us last year, Chief Minister Gudju Gudju. Perhaps this is why, having an actual Yidindji descendant join us for one of our gatherings and share so eloquently and thoughtfully with us, had the effect that it did.
On a personal note, during the event held at Koah Hall, Ooray shared with us deeply moving video footage of her late father, Chulka Burra Jinawadagon Goon-Jarrah-By (Chief Tribal Warrior) aka Lloyd Cornillious Stewart, who together with other clan elders was a key signatory to the formation of the Yidindji Government. We subsequently participated, with a number of members, in a short spontaneous ceremony, arranged by Uncle Bumi, to honour Ooray’s recently deceased Mother. Touched by the openness with which our guest shared precious memories with us, and the clear respect and love she holds for her parents, we were eager to consider the seven-year Strategic Development Plan which Ooray presented.
The plan for the development of business infrastructure within the Yidindji Nation, calls for the cooperation of the varying clan groups. Working together they will establish traditional owner contracts for employment of Yidindji Citizens, fund Yidindji Rangers within each tribal territory and also develop tourist attractions in special areas. These endeavours will bring in revenue for the SYG and for each tribe, with no clan to be excluded (the recording and full plan are available for YCC members to view by clicking here).
Personally, as President of the YCC, I came away touched by the new relationship we forged. Ooray’s wish to visit the elders of every tribal group to share the vision of a flourishing Sovereign Yidindji economy and create a plan to work together is a step which we as the Chamber of Commerce would love to see fulfilled.
Time will tell whether the Yidindji Chamber of
Commerce can become a unifying umbrella for trade amongst all Yidindji people
(both adopted and bloodline) and whether the Sovereign Yidindji Dollar can
fulfil its destiny as a coin valued and utilized across all eight tribal
territories comprising the Yidindji Nation.
As AG Gaan-Yarra explained in crystal-clear terms, it
is the currency with which we transact which dictates the legal framework
within which a business operates. If we use the Sovereign Yidindji Dollar to
trade with our neighbours, to interact with tourists, to share our products and
services, then our business falls under the law of the Yidindji people.
Transactions also remain tax-free. Should we use Australian Dollars to carry
out trade, our dealings will come under Australian law with its specific regulations
and rules. And of course be taxed accordingly.
We wish to thank Ooray and her partner for taking the time to come and
meet with our members, and for being the awaited catalyst for the YCC to take
business to the next level.
