Previous Next

Indigenous elder says she feels 'shocked and distressed' after being removed from Obama event

FOX News 3/29/2023 Haley Chi-Sing

Fox News Flash top headlines for March 29

FOX News See more videos

What to watch next

Susan Boyle explains why she was relieved to be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome 'Britain’s Got Talent' singing sensation Susan Boyle is opening up about her Asperger's Syndrome. FOX News
PGA, European golf tours merge with LIV FOX Business reporter Lauren Simonetti joined 'America's Newsroom' to break down what the change means for the world of golf. FOX News
Staten Island burglary suspect seen before clash with homeowner A Staten Island homeowner raced back to his house after noticing a burglar on his security camera and later physically confronted the suspected thief in his back yard. (@chris_superior/ Christian Schlagler) FOX News

UP NEXT

An indigenous elder was barred Wednesday night from giving a Welcome to Country ceremony ahead of a speaking event for former President Obama in Melbourne, Australia, for allegedly being "too difficult."

Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy, 78, was expected to perform the ceremony welcoming the former president to Wurundjeri land as part of Obama's Australian speaking tour, "An Evening with President Barack Obama."

Aunty Joy had reportedly asked the event's organizers, Growth Faculty, to provide a support person to assist her at the event and to provide Obama with a gift in line with cultural practice.

"She was told that she was being ‘too difficult’ and was removed from event proceedings," said the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, according to The Guardian.

FORMER TOP OBAMA AIDE CLAIMS GOP CONCERNS OVER ALLEGED CHINESE SPY APP IS 'BAD FAITH BS'

Aunty Joy had reportedly asked the event's organizers, Growth Faculty, to provide a support person to assist her at the event and to provide Obama a gift in line with cultural practice. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

© Darrian Traynor/Getty Images Aunty Joy had reportedly asked the event's organizers, Growth Faculty, to provide a support person to assist her at the event and to provide Obama a gift in line with cultural practice. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

"This is a deep offence to the Wurundjeri people and to all First Nations people. Our Welcome to Country protocols are our traditional law and practice that have been used to welcome and offer protection to our guests on Wurundjeri lands for millennia."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

INVESTMENT FIRM OF FORMER OBAMA-BIDEN OFFICIALS HOSTED MULTIPLE CCP-TIED COMPANIES AT 2015 LUNCHEON

Aunty Joy said she was "shocked and distressed" by the way the event's organizers treated her, given she had never been treated in such a way by the organization in the past, according to the National Indigenous Times.

© Darrian Traynor/Getty Images Aunty Joy said she was "shocked and distressed" by the way the event's organizers treated her, given she had never been treated in such a way by the organization in the past, according to the National Indigenous Times. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

"I am 78 years of age. I have never been treated or spoken to in this way in the past," Aunty Joy told the National Indigenous Times. "I do not want this to be a reflection on President Obama. I am a leader of the Wurundjeri Nation. I asked to be treated as an equal,"

MICHELLE OBAMA RECOUNTS 'UNCONTROLLABLE SOBBING' AFTER LEAVING WHITE HOUSE FOR LAST TIME

Aunty Joy will also not be allowed to meet with the former president Thursday at a lunch event, according to News.com.au.

Fox News Digital reached out to Growth Faculty and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

© Spencer Platt/Getty Images Obama's Australian speaking tour kicked off Tuesday, and he sat down with former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to talk about leadership and the world's future. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Obama's Australian speaking tour kicked off Tuesday, and he sat down with former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to talk about leadership and the world's future.

Obama flew from Sydney to Melbourne earlier Wednesday, according to News.com.au.

Fox News Digital also reached out to Obama's office for comment.

Go to MSN Home

Indigenous elder says she feels 'shocked and distressed' after being removed from Obama event

More From FOX News

Microsoft Store Offers - Sponsored

The Highest Paying Cash Back Card Is Finally Here

This Stock Could Be Like Buying Amazon in 1997

Savvy Americans are moving their money to these banks

These are the best mortgage rates in your area