We were not savages

 

I feel strongly connected

To a Land and A language

A culture and A custom

A tradition and A tribe

A race and A place

That’s why I protest

This exploitation

 

I protest against miners

Who exploit the descendants

Of obsidian miners

We were not savages

 

I protest against fishing companies

Who exploit the descendants

Of ancient fishermen

We were not savages

 

I protest against agriculturalists

Who exploit the descendants

Of Kuk valley farmers

We were not savages

 

I protest against the traders

Who exploit the descendants

Of Bilbil, Hiri, Kula and Lapita traders

We were not savages

 

I protest against historians

Who do not recognize

Forty thousand years

Of genuine independence

We were not savages

 

They were not savages

We are now savages

We’ve done more damage

Then our ancestors ever did