Aboriginal culture in Australia is not easy to discover. While it's easy to find Aboriginal Didgeridoo players in public places, this is not what represents Australian Aboriginal culture anymore.
Two of my flatmates cannot recall having learnt about Aboriginal culture at school. Both are over 30. —Personal communication with an Australian school teacher
Learning about Aboriginal culture involves a you becoming active. Thank you that you came here, because many people, specifically Australians themselves, lack interest in exploring and learning about the world of Aboriginal culture.
Select from the following categories to learn more about a specific field of Aboriginal culture:
arts autonomy economy education health history land language law/justice media people politics spirituality sport
How much do you know about Aboriginal culture? Take the Aboriginal knowledge quiz!
Don't underestimate the contribution you can make towards understanding Aboriginal culture. Every little bit you do might be seen and acknowledged, as the following two stories show which I experienced myself:
Since a long time I have an Aboriginal flag sewn to my backpack. I'm using my backpack a lot, for shopping as well as for travelling. These are stories which I've experienced just because I show the Aboriginal flag on it.
One day I was in a fish and chips shop and had just finished my meal when a young teenage pair entered. Something about them told me they were Aboriginal people although their skin colour was very fair. Was it that they scarcely spoke? Their shyness? Their dark eyes? I couldn't tell. I just knew.
When I rose and strapped my backpack to my back I saw from the corner of my eyes how the young man gave his companion a dig and pointed to my backpack. I paid and left the shop.
Months later, with the same backpack, I was getting a train ticket from one of the vending machines. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and looked into the face of an Aboriginal man.
"What does that flag stand for, brother?" he inquired.
"It shows my interest in and respect for Aboriginal culture," I replied.
"Good on yer," he said. "Look at me: I'm the original Aborigine!" And walked away following his mates.
I'm sitting on the bus on my way home, backpack in front of me, reading the Koori Mail. As I look up a young man is smiling at me, nodding towards my backpack as our eyes cross.
It turns out that his grandfather has a quarter Aboriginal blood in his veins, a fact which wasn't revealed until his parents did a thorough family tree research. And you wouldn't think it either, because this young man has curly, blonde hair and eyes which look grey-green. Most of his ancestors are English or Scottish, he admits.
The discovery of his Indigenous heritage hasn't changed much in his daily life but raised his awareness for Aboriginal culture. He's one of the many part-Indigenous people who do not openly talk about it.
These little incidents are nothing much at all. However, you see that by displaying your support you will be noticed. And I'm sure that Aboriginal people will acknowledge your efforts just as this young couple and the 'original' Aborigine did.
Here are lists of things which could inspire you further:
Don't let disappointments discourage you.
Healing in this country requires a lot of love, courage and honesty and the belief it is possible. Where there is true care, there is very little division. —Kanyini official website
I for one was most impressed by what Aboriginal people told me of their own personal experiences.
If you are an Aboriginal person I invite you to tell me your story. Any story will do, when you think it makes sense to tell them to others so that they can learn and respect Indigenous culture.
Contact me and we can find a way how your story helps towards true reconciliation.
How much do you really know about Aboriginal Australia?
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The author of this site wishes to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land in which we live and work.