Love thy neighbour like Ayaiga
Each week at Yirara College, senior students lead the Chapel prayers and blessings. One time, one of the prayers highlighted the story of Ayaiga, an elder of the Alawa people from the Roper River Valley.
More than 100 years ago, in 1911, Ayaiga was arrested. While crossing the flooded Roper River, still in chains, he jumped into the river to save the life of the policeman who had arrested him. The policeman had been knocked unconscious by his horse and was about to drown.
In 1912, Ayaiga was set free and awarded the Albert Medal, the British Empire’s highest award for saving life.
Many Yirara students have come from the Roper Valley communities of Minyerri, Jilkminggan, Mataranka, Urapunga and Ngukurr.
Ayaiga is their ancestor. Ayaiga’s other name was ‘Neighbour’. Just like the Good Samaritan.
Ayaiga Prayer from Yirara College
A long time ago
Ayaiga from the Roper
Swam down the river
to save the life of the man
who had put him in chains.
We give thanks
for all our ancestors
who have shown kindness and caring
across the generations;
And we pray for all of our elders
in all of our communities today.
Amen.
