George Mc Gee Aboriginald Elder

Many years ago now I went and saw an indigenous elder in Kerang called George Mc Gee. Beside being an elder he had been a shearer and roustabout all over the place. We had a good day together, I bounced a few ideas off him and showed him some off the manuscript of Kiss of the King Brown. he made some suggestions and comments. Mostly we just talked and chewed the fat.
On the books publication I sent him a copy.
He phoned a couple of days ago. Very pleased he was with the book, ecstatic with the indigenous stories and treatment, The Aboriginal as hero and strength is rare in this country. We talked for a long time on what it meant to him of how it reminded him of his past on the missions and growing up. We talked of pride and love of culture. We talked of hope.
I was touched deeply by his praise and joy in the book. But mostly I was happy for him and his people that I had produced something authentic and creditable. In Joseph they had a hero, and in his story is the story of a people who fought for their land, and their way of life. It is a story that any people should be proud of.
Will be seeing George again soon.