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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Uluru ethics 28-Apr-2008 At 2:41:10 PM BigMike

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On 28/04/2008 kayakerSteve wrote:
>I read a book by Arthur Groom (father of Mountaineer Michael Groom) who,
>during his time living and exploring central Australia with the local indigenous
>people in the 1950s, climbed to the top of Uluru with 3 of the fellas from
>Hermannsburg mission.

Interesting anecdote but it can be tricky making a ruling on the actions of a few....

The Native Americans around Monument Valley, Utah don't want anyone climbing those amazing totem pole things. However, from what I understand, permission was given for Clint Eastwood etc to be filmed atop one of them for "The Eiger Sanction" ... for a hefty fee. This argument has been subsequently used by elements of the climbing lobby ... "if they don't want us to climb it, how come they didn't mind letting a film crew do it for a big cheque" etc. You have to wonder who in the community gave the permission and trousered the cash, and whether the entire community agreed.

Also, would those three have been game to say, "sorry Mr Broom, we don't fancy climbing that"? Would they have felt they had no choice, or were under orders?

It's a tricksy business.....