“Back before white man came, Missionary Fred McKenzie brought Aboriginal people into Aurukun. 5 Tribes are here. My tribe is the Apalech. When I was growing up we didn’t live around here, I lived in tribal areas as there was too much violence. So I didn’t do much schooling. From 1970’s problems started. we lived under the Untied Church and it was good, my Uncle Francis Yunkaporta was Deputy Chairperson of Aurukun. The mining people came when I was a boy, but the Elders didn’t want them, they were really strong. Our Elders were strong because they didn’t smoke dope or drink.Today we see young people smoking and drinking, teaching other young people to. I use to, but I gave up, I saw lots of bad things, like suicide. I didn’t want that to happen for me or my family. I hated hangovers and wanted better health. Now, they have discos and have things for them (young people) to do to keep out of mischief. The community police help out. We have a Mens Group, its good. And the young people making handicrafts is good. I want to stop the young people from smoking dope. I think the out stations are good for them. Some people say its black magic that makes them. I am a believer, I still go to church. I would like to encourage young people down this road. I believe that when I die the gate will be open for me. Culture – most people don’t join in during ceremonies, they act like a white person and go to the disco. I am a dancer and so is my sister. Training – to do all sorts of jobs, I see kids going to school everyday, I hope they carry on and do more training and get a good job. I would like to see someone from this community be a good leader like Gina Castlaine or Noel Pearson.”
– Perry Yunkaporta, Arunkun.