Today we decided to stay back so we could check out the local juvenile centre with the Red Dust guys. We were a bit worried spending an extra day here as we have a time limit to ride to Darwin, but it was certainly worth it to stay back today.
The Red Dust guys picked us up around midday and took us to the prison. Actually, they showed us around town first, showing us the school where they do their outreach program's and then taking us to their shed where they have all there gear. We had to get a tee-shirt and shoes because the prison won't let you in without them. As Davi and I have come with minimal items due to space and weight requirement, we didn't bring any shoes with us. I became a bit nervous as the shed didn't have any spare shoes and we went straight to the prison in the hope they would lend us shoes there, and fortunately they did.
We went in and watched Jonso and Damo play the guitar and sing with the kids. The presence these two have is amazing. The fact they talk to the young kids in a culturally understanding way makes a huge difference, as the kids pay more attention. In the room was also a couple of white fellas helping out. There was an obvious disconnect between the white fellas and the kids though.
Looking in the room it was both devastating and also eye opening. There were about fifteen kids aged between 12 to 17 just sitting around the room, wasting there time in a juvenile detention centre. A few of the kids looked happy and were engaging with the music. I could see a few of the kids were also a lot more reserved, perhaps a result of there more traditional culture. I noticed a few of the kids in the room having one of the front teeth removed, a sign of initiation. Jonso has had one of his teeth removed, which I realise is excellent as it allows the kids to identify he is a cultural law man and that he is a respected person in the community. When we were sitting in the room I was not sure whether to smile or not as I didn't want to show that I wasn't an initiated man and didn't want the kids to think I was a typical white fella just there for a show.
I soon couldn't help but smile once the program started. The whole room started by singing along with Jonso. He wrote the lyrics on the white board and broke the lyrics into four parts, so everyone in the room broke off into four groups. We had to come up with a name for the group and then partake in the singing, a fun exercise in itself. At start I was a bit nervous but then realised it was all for fun and mostly for the kids too. A few of the kids got right into it and some others not. We sang the song "Have you ever seen the rain" and I can tell you I'll never listen to this song the same way again. I was very close to crying watching all the kids sing and get engaged. I just wish we didn't live in a world where young kids fell down this path.
After singing this song Jonso then started singing a more traditional song. This song drew mixed reactions from the kids and Jonso later explained why. As we made a few cultural sounds the initiated kids had realised that those sounds are meant for the bush and cultural ceremonies for times like initiation. Jonso explained to the class we're supporting culture and that there were initiated men in the room so we weren't making a mockery out of it. This was another valuable insight into a deep complex life these young fellas live by.
After the prison we went back to Jonsos place, or atleast where he's staying at the moment and had a look at some of his pets. Around his house, which is a massive property is a few snakes, emus, chickens and also a huge lizard, apparently the largest lizard in Aus.
After all this Davi and I went to a cousin of Jonso's to fix a broken window, along with two of his little nephews. Jonsos nephew broke it and as a result Jonso was expected to fix it. This was another real eye opener. The way they removed the remainder of the window was by smashing it with a hammer, although everyone was bare foot they didn't seem to mind. Surprisingly nobody got a cut on there foot, even the 10 year old nephew who was walking right through the broken glass. Whilst we were putting the window in a few of his cousins and friends were in the house watching us. They were all smoking bongs (way to smoke marijuana) and drinking booze. I'm not sure if they didn't help cause Jonso was expected to fix it or because they were busy getting wasted. After a while we we managed to put the window in and then shot off.
Understanding Jonsos background and the conditions he's faced gives me an immense level of respect for him. He's a strong level headed genuine bloke with a great energetic nature. He has a great understanding of culture, which is somewhat evident in his high level of initiation.
Now we will get some food and a few last bits and pieces and then shoot off tomorrow morning. We will say our farewells to Jonso, Damo and a few of the guys from the juvenile centre tonight!
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