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training authorities in Perth. , to the agents of the Department
■
for Aboriginal Affairs , the Department of Community Welfare, the
magistrates, the Police, to the marta marta of the National
V
Aboriginal Committee.
Young, new leaders are being trained and tried, men who inherit
the idential of the Mob’s history when they endured extreme
suffering. They have not experienced this at first hand, though
they are keenly aware of this history through contact with its
heroes, and aware of.the present suffering of the important men
who carry a load of responsibility which makes almost unbearable
demands. Only time will tell whether young people of the same
calibre x√ill continue to emerge as leaders. There seems no reason
to doubt that this will happen.
The legitimation of new leaders who have not been part of the
historic suffering and survival will obviously be an area of concern.
However, the fact that such leaders are being chosen out and trained
by the elders ensures an unbroken line of authority.
The question must be asked whether a Strelley type 'world’ will
continue to be permitted by the dominant group - or indeed can be
permitted by the dominant group.
From without, threats to political autonomy lie in government
policy and attitudes. The government has the power to permit, even
deliberately encourage, mining and the incursions of the white world in
other areas, such as tourism. The exercise of autonomy at Strelley
comes into conflict with the aims of mainstream society. The
Mob’s practice of self-determination,their exercise of autonomy
designed to preserve the traditional elements of their culture cannot
be tolerated when it cuts across the economic interests of the
business world.
Aborigines throughout Australia seek to exercise autonomy by
claiming rights to traditional lands. Such-claims pose a threat
ɪɛee pp∙ 210, 220.