This story is about a time a thousand years ago when there was a Mulga Tree (Wattle Tree) near a calm pond. This tranquil scene had long been a place of reflection and contemplation for the Muruwari tribe that lived nearby. Each year in the springtime, the Mulga Tree began to burst forth with vibrant blossoms. As the Mulga Tree continued to flourish, its branches became heavy with shiny golden flowers and tiny seeds. The Muruwari tribe saw this as a sign of abundance and blessing from their ancestors.
In the beginning, the Muruwari people were possessive over the Mulga Tree because they didn’t want other tribes taking their Mulga seeds. The other clans that lived close by complained that they too needed the rich Mulga seeds to feed their families and loved ones. But the Muruwari people refused to listen, and they didn’t have sympathy for the other tribes.
There was a Rainbow Serpent watching the Muruwari people. The Rainbow Serpent noticed that the Muruwari people fought over the Mulga seeds and didn’t share them with any other tribe. So, the Rainbow Serpent made the blossoms fall off the Mulga Tree and blocked the Sun, Moon, and Stars. The Muruwari people’s hopes were lost when darkness took over. The Mulga Tree gave the Muruwari people food to grow. They felt a sense of desolation and hardship.
In desperation, the Muruwari people cried out to the Rainbow Serpent “I beg you; can you please unblock the Sun, Moon, and Stars and give us back our Mulga Tree?” The Rainbow Serpent agreed only if the Muruwari Tribe promised to share the Mulga seeds with the other tribes. So, the next day, the Sun came out, and the Moon and Stars glistened in the night sky. The Mulga Tree started to flower with lots of blossoms.
This taught the Muruwari Tribe one big lesson about nature. The lesson was how to appreciate what the Mulga Tree does for them and the importance of sharing with the other tribes. As they spent more time observing its graceful branches and vibrant blossoms, they began to understand the deeper symbolism embedded in its existence. The Mulga Tree served as a symbol of interconnectedness, a gentle reminder that in the grand tapestry of life, they were not isolated beings but rather integral threads in a larger, more intricate web.
For generations, the Muruwari Tribe told stories about the Mulga Tree and the pond, stories that spoke of reconciliation and healing.
Artist Statement
My story is inspired by the SRC workshop. I used tension to build up my story. It encourages the reader to follow on with the story because it has a big problem and then a plan to solve it. It is an exciting story that includes a Mulga Tree (Wattle Tree), so powerful that it gives the Muruwari tribes food. It is set near a beautiful pond which was near where the Muruwari tribe lived. The way that my story relates to reconciliation is by tribes sharing the Mulga seeds and especially the Mulga Tree itself.
Reconciliation Means…
working together, building relationships, and respecting each other as a nation. It can also mean showing each other what’s possible to achieve in life. It is also showing other people confidence to do things that they’ve never done before. It is also showing kindness to others. Reconciliation can also mean two people that can connect together in a certain way.
Written By: Taylor Ashley