Dr George - Ngankari, Law Man, Artist

Dr George would occasionally arrive covered in red ochre with his red ceremonial headband, accompanied by a small group of countrymen to the government gallery, the Centre for Aboriginal Artists. Established in 1972, it was where visitors from various communities would stop by to see who was in town.

He had a strong presence that demanded respect, similar to other people I remember him interacting with, amongst others, other important elders such as Kaapa Tjampitjinpa (traditional owner of Papunya), Dinny Nolan Tjampitjinpa (well known as the most senior Rain maker), and Nosepeg Tjupurrula OBE, considered by many as a genius with his extensive knowledge.

Although tired and dusty from the return from a long trip back from ceremony, at times, several cars full of men seemed to glow from the empowerment of the past couple of weeks, preparing for and then completing ceremony.

In December it was generally large ceremonies that involved both men and women whereas young men’s initiation ceremonies (Malliera) were at various other times.

One August in the late 1980’s, I remember the fear in the Yuendumu community and how a whole grandstand of football watchers vacated quickly when the message spread that there was a group dancing and kicking up dust in that direction. You made yourself scarce as the unfortunate person coming across this group could be speared. There were many stories of the kadaitcha man.

Ceremonies and senior men were taken very seriously. Knowledge was considered a currency and possession of it was respected and sought after. Most animated conversations had some relation to dreaming events. This wasn’t only for the groups of men, but for the women as well.

Doctor Men are also known as clever men in Aboriginal society. There are many stories of his healing and transformative powers which I will delve into more in the chapter on law men.

He, however, was also given the title ‘Dr’ by the medical clinic at Kintore where he was instrumental in helping recently arrived Pintupi desert people settle in and accept medical help from the European doctors. Everyone who met him has wonderful stories about him.

I am very grateful to have had a great friendship with him up until 2002 when he returned to live at Jupiter Well full time.

I would like to pay tribute to the deep integrity of this Doctor Man and introduce you to him.