Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
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"... it is absolutely paramount that people understand one another. There's just so much that people can learn from one another. One of the important things that non-Aboriginal people should learn from the Aboriginal way is you cannot keep taking. You have to give something back. And the very act of doing that makes you feel good. So that’s how I would it put to anybody wishing to know about my understanding of what it is about Aboriginal spirituality." Noel Nannup
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Losing and Regaining CultureCulture is a living process. When there is a strong cultural continuity, people become imbued with a sense of identity, well-being and life purpose.
Colonisation and the resulting cultural and spiritual genocide have disconnected many Aboriginal people from their culture. They are unable to function from either their own cultural relatedness, or from the culture of the colonisers. They live in a cultural void. Cultural genocide attacks the very heart of who we are as a person. It has left many Aboriginal people living with multiple levels of trauma, the consequences of which are physical and mental health problems. For Aboriginal people, healing from trauma is greatly facilitated when they are re-connected to their culture, spirituality and identity. Society must help Aboriginal people build culturally safe and respectful environments where the process of self-healing can take place. Non-Aboriginal people working in health, social and criminal justice services must understand past history (and its impact) from an Aboriginal perspective. They must also understand the cultural and spiritual elements of health and well-being. |
Content Relating to CultureConnecting to Culture Facilitates Healing
Joe Solanto talks about the contagious nature of healing and cultural connectedness. Research in Canada shows that lower suicide rates occur in indigenous communities that are well connected to their culture. Michael Chandler talks about his and Christopher Lalonde's seminal research. The Importance of Land Considers the strong connection between Aboriginal people and their land, or country. Noel reflects in his favourite spot at Point Walter, whilst Bruce Pascoe talks about the earth being our mother. Land and Country Film clip of Bob Randall explaining how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea, but a way of living. The page includes statements relating to My Country, and reflections on Being at One by Australian anthropologist WEH Stanner. Land and Healing A Global Oneness Project film of Bob Randall talking about the importance of Land and introducing the idea of 'Oursness'. The page includes short sections on Land & Wellbeing and Caring & Reconnecting, and a link to a document focusing on the importance of Land for indigenous health and wellbeing. Indigenous Hip Hop Projects (IHHP) Three films from IHHP, a unique team of talented artists in all elements of hip hop, media, entertainment and performing arts, who work extensively in Indigenous communities around Australia. Great fun and educational! |