Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
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“Land is very important to Aboriginal people with the common belief of 'we don’t own the land, the land owns us'. Aboriginal people have always had a spiritual connection to their land..." Marion Kickett
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“When I think about it what has always helped me when I have been in a crisis is going home to country and family to recharge my batteries. So those are the two most important things that have helped me cope and survive the different adversities I have had to face or deal with throughout my life.” Participant in Marion Kickett's PhD research |
The Importance of Land“Land is very important to Aboriginal people with the common belief of 'we don’t own the land, the land owns us'. Aboriginal people have always had a spiritual connection to their land, and because of this connection many Aboriginal people will not leave their country. Those who do leave, tend to always come home to visit, keeping the connection.
Land to Aboriginal people is a major part of their identity and spirituality. They have a connection and sense of belonging to their land. They gain their strength through their land. Many believe this is because old ancestors were buried in their country and the spirits protect and care for the land and those still alive.” Adapted from Marion Kickett's PhD thesis “Land is a story place. Land holds the stories of human survival across the generations. Land shapes people, just as people shape their countries.” Judy Atkinson "Everything that you do to the earth you have to be prepared to do to your mother. If you're not prepared to hurt your mother do not hurt the earth because she is in fact your mother. That's the essence of Aboriginal culture and law." Bruce Pascoe
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Dr Noel Nannup reflecting in his favourite place, Point Walter, Western Australia.
Facilitating Healing“Land has recuperative aspects that are essential to Aboriginal well-being. Our land has an important part to play in healing. The land is a powerful healer, as is the sea.
When your ancestors have walked these places for millennia, they hold an energy of timelessness that invokes serenity and the feeling that one is not alone, but in the presence of these ancestors, who are able to communicate via the senses and convey the feelings and thoughts that are most conductive to healing. When we are able to sit on our land in contemplation and hear, feel or see the spirits of our old people, than we have been to a place within ourselves of great depth and connectedness. It is this place we need to go to in order to truly heal ourselves: and once we have learnt how to do that, then we can move forward.” C. Clarke and D. Fewquandie > Land & Country |