Pilbara mother backs activist

As Aboriginal activist Clinton Pryor made his final journey into Canberra last weekend, Pilbara mother Telona Pitt made sure she was part of the historical walk.

Mr Pryor walked 5581km from Perth to Canberra to raise awareness for Aboriginal issues and speak with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about how to come to a peaceful resolution.

Ms Pitt, an indigenous woman from Port Hedland, said she felt compelled to go to Canberra to support Mr Pryor’s walk and meet other supporters.

“I think for me, meeting and talking to other people who are dealing with the same issues we are in Hedland, it made me think we need to work together to change something so another generation doesn’t have to deal with these same issues,” she said.

“I wanted to be a part of the dialogue and conversation that’s beginning in our country and it’s important for all of us to be a part of it.”

Ms Pitt sat in on a meeting with Aboriginal elders while in Canberra and said it was surreal to hear discussions about issues which were also plaguing Port Hedland.

“It was great to be able to hear what they had to say and come back and share what I’ve learnt,” she said.