Yes, this is very peripheral to our core business, so be warned. I
thought some of you may know something I clearly don't, about the connection
beween the USA bird and Aboriginal health. Or
it might amuse or annoy some of you. There is a bird connection
here, though it is symbolic.
There is an organisation based in Canberra called: National Aboriginal
Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), (PO Box 168, DEAKIN WEST ACT
2601). The emblem it uses clearly shows the Bald Eagle Haliaetus
leucocephalus placed over a map of Australia. The picture is a good one and
there is no way it could represent anything else. I find that quite
preposterous. It could hardly be a more identifiable emblem. It is known
worldwide as the symbol of USA, a foreign power.
If they really wanted a Sea-Eagle (and I can’t imagine
why) why did they not at least choose the White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaetus
leucogaster? This is after all, the only Australian representative of this
genus. Even so, why not choose a native Australian species of anything, not just
a Sea-Eagle. It is not as if Australia has any shortage of endemic and easily
identifiable species of fauna! This, from an allegedly Aboriginal
organisation, a community that are always trying to convince us of their
affinity to the land. A viewpoint that I try to embrace but I regret to say,
this adds room for doubt.
