A First Nations Elder says she is “shocked and distressed” after being removed from performing the Welcome to Country ceremony at a Melbourne event hosted by former US President Barack Obama.
Obama arrived in the Victorian capital with former first lady Michelle for the first time this afternoon ahead of the event on Wednesday night at John Cain Arena.
Senior Elder and Traditional Owner Aunty Joy Murphy, however, was left feeling “saddened” after she says she was told she was being “too difficult” for making two requests for the event.
Aunty Joy asked if event organisers Growth Faculty could make appropriate accommodations for a support person to accompany her at the event, along with requests to provide Obama with a gift – something she said is cultural practice.
According to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Aunty Joy was removed from the event proceedings after making the requests.
“I am 78 years of age. I have never been treated or spoken to in this way in the past,” Aunty Joy said in a statement.
“I do not want this to be a reflection on President Obama. I am a leader of the Wurundjeri Nation. I asked to be treated as an equal.
Read Related Also: Whoopi Goldberg slams decision for Roald Dahl and Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels to be re-edited
“I have been shocked and distressed by the way I have been treated by event organisers.
“They have always shown me respect and accepted my Welcome as a gift from our people.”
Aunty Joy was also removed from performing traditional cultural protocols at a business lunch with Obama tomorrow.
“The Welcome to Country is a very important ceremony for our people. It is an honour to Welcome people like President Obama and I upset that I am unable to do this today,” Aunty Joy said.
9News has reached out to event organiser Growth Faculty for comment.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
