To 5G or Not To 5G? An Indigenous Perspective
Writer: Briony Dalton
Editor: Paul Pritchard
5G––It’s almost everywhere. Towers are scattered across the land, cell boxes line the
streets and so begins the continual upgrades as we catapult towards the futuristic high-
tech world that’s been long promised. While some nations have embraced it
wholeheartedly, others have rejected it altogether, which begs the question, is there cause
to explore safer alternatives?
I recently met with Jarmbi Githabul, a Custodian of the Northern Rivers, New South
Wales, from the Githabul and Ngarakwal tribes. A member of the Mother Earth Delegation
of United Original Nations, Jarmbi is a long-time activist and is well respected in these
parts for his commitment to helping people reconnect to themselves, as well as bridging
divides between varying communities.
The iconic town of Mullumbimby in Northern NSW is one of the last places in Australia
yet to receive the 5G upgrade due to the community’s strong appeal for safer technology
options, so I was curious to hear a First Nation perspective.
Jarmbi began by explaining the simple principles of living in alignment with the Earth,
principles that have been the way of life for indigenous peoples around the world for
centuries. As he spoke, it became clear that this is so very far removed from how we
currently live. The fast-paced, modern society we find ourselves in has seduced us, lulled
us even, into a completely false sense of security.
“The only true safety on this planet is your connection to the Earth. Everything else is just trying to make up for the lack of that safety. Everything from police, government, guns, drugs is all to help cope with the disconnection to the natural world—from Mother Earth.”
He went on to illustrate how, from an early age, we inherit a set of wildly distorted values
from the media, governments and corporations. We are told that money, success and
happiness are the most important things, and without these things our lives are
worthless. We are indoctrinated to accept that without them, we are worthless.
So, we spend our lives chasing the degree, the job, the money, the house, the car, the
possessions, the looks, the marriage, the family: all in a desperate and never-ending
attempt to forge some form of connection to something meaningful in our lives. But
perhaps we are looking in the wrong places for answers. Perhaps the only truly
meaningful connection is with ourselves and our natural habitat, Gaia or Mother Earth,
our home.
Jarmbi believes when we live in harmony with ourselves and with the Earth, we better
understand ourselves and our purpose in the world. We can then take responsibility for
the role that we play in our community and become truly empowered—individually and
collectively.
He explained that our purpose is never separate from anyone or anything. We are one cog
in a giant wheel and we each must step into our role so the wheel can continue to turn
and operate efficiently and effectively. It depends on all of us stepping up: none of us are
exempt. The wheel is Gaia, or Mother Earth. When we are truly connected to all that is
and can feel that within us, we amplify a deeper connection with all that exists around us:
the trees, the animals, the elements. We, and all of it, become an extension of the one
bigger picture—the web of all interconnected life.
This concept forms the very basis of the First Nations way of thinking and operating; a
deep and innate connection with all that surrounds them. All that informs and teaches
them. All that holds them, provides for them, nourishes, nurtures, and shelters them. This
is what ‘connection’ is really about.
“It’s a case of having the understanding of just how much the Earth gives us, just how
sacred she is. Just how much we depend on her and by living in a way that’s honouring
that, it’s the best way to live for everybody. And that’s what the old tribes are all about,
having that understanding.”
As with most things in life, there is good and bad. Technology is no exception to this rule.
It has facilitated a great deal of advancement for humanity …but at what cost? Have we
lost sight of a healthy balance? Nowadays, ‘connection’ appears to be more about the
ability to text your sibling from another room, to order and have food delivered without
getting off the couch. Although these devices have undoubtedly enhanced our lives in
many ways, they’ve also become the ultimate distraction from meaningful connections.
Technology is distorting our understanding of natural connection and our ability to
recognise and cultivate more nourishing contact.
Instead of sitting alone with peace in our hearts, we sit alone and stare at the piece in our
hand. Instead of stepping outside into nature we watch video compilations of animals
doing funny things on our screens. Instead of holding conversation with our loved ones
across the dinner table, our attention is held by the buzzing of the phone in our pocket.
Instead of receiving the wisdom of Mother Nature into our being, we are bombarded with
ephemeral information on our devices. Our natural curiosity about existence, spirit, the
universe and the meaning of life has been captured and redirected towards this
convenient gadget: this man-made extension of ourselves. It seems we are now only as
‘connected’ as the strength of our signal and the speed of our internet, and it leaves me
wondering… to 5G or not to 5G?
“5G and all of this is a symptom of disconnection. And that’s all it is.”
As I sat beside Jarmbi, the glistening river poured herself out to sea and a calmness I
hadn’t felt in some time soaked into my mind and body. Insect life scurried around our
bare legs, birds showered us with ancient song, and gentle breaths of breeze made the
leaves on the trees dance above us. I looked across at the man who is well known for his
commitment to protecting this land and her inhabitants. Sensing the symphony
surrounding us, he closed his eyes, took one long in-breath, drinking life force deep into
his lungs. I noticed his phone poking out of his backpack and felt reassured that
choosing this way of life did not mean rejecting technology altogether. Balance is, after
all, nature’s most important presiding law. I put my phone on airplane mode, closed my
eyes and revelled in the beauty of this moment. The simplicity of ‘being’ and connecting
with myself, nature and Jarmbi.
In the days that followed my meeting with Jarmbi, I found myself pondering––What it is
to be human living on this planet right now? This, I feel, is what it all comes down to. This
fundamental question holds the key to the door of hope and curiosity, as individuals and
as a collective, to look within and ask, who are we and who do we want to become?
To me, it evokes a certain way of being. One that fosters connection, respect, growth,
reciprocity, compassion, humility and wisdom—for all Life.
I vow to think about the ripple effect of my actions before I take them; weighing up what
would be lost from my gains.
I vow to witness and acknowledge the interconnectedness between humans and the
naturalworld.
I vow to move through life with curiosity, letting Gaia be my teacher.
I vow to use technology with more discernment.
“Mother Earth is calling her children home and we are hearing her and we are moving.”
– Jarmbi
May the inspiration to move forth with life-sustaining benevolence that honours the
delicate balance of nature and technology find you too.
