Noted from some writings on Aboriginal Affairs that there are those 'first Australians' who do not like the title 'indigenous' as there is a sense in which every Aussie has indigenous roots. True enough I guess. 'First Australians' appeals, but maybe the name Australian will be offensive in view of the 1788 invasion and the eventual naming of Australia by the colonisers.
Want to get it right! Want to find out what right is in the minds of indigenous Aussies, what will make every aspect of life work for them in this their land in the 21st century. Want to know what indigenous Australia thinks and wants from Cape York to Sydney, to Warburton Ranges to Perth - all over this hard, beautiful land mass. Want to know what non-indigenous Australia thinks as we approach the 2013 vital referendum.
Let it all hang out so that it can be sorted out in terms of the UN Charter of Human Rights.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A worrying story - Australian Aboriginal Affairs
I heard recently that indigenous Aussies may be very reluctant to share the details of their cultures with non-indigenous Aussies. If this is true I can understand it at the level of: Why should we when we have suffered so much prejudice and persecution since 1788? I can also understand that some of the indigenous cultural behaviours are secret business.
At another level if it is true then I believe we have a big problem! Such reluctance could be a major barrier to true reconciliation. Is there a degree of sharing that is ok for indigenous Aussies?
My goal through this blog conversation is that there will be a serious contribution to there being major respect shown to indigenous Aussies such that this is the norm and is how the rest of the world sees us behaving. A respect that is based on indigenous Aussies being revered as the spiritual heart of this complex, beautiful yet harsh land of Australia is achievable.
At another level if it is true then I believe we have a big problem! Such reluctance could be a major barrier to true reconciliation. Is there a degree of sharing that is ok for indigenous Aussies?
My goal through this blog conversation is that there will be a serious contribution to there being major respect shown to indigenous Aussies such that this is the norm and is how the rest of the world sees us behaving. A respect that is based on indigenous Aussies being revered as the spiritual heart of this complex, beautiful yet harsh land of Australia is achievable.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Patrick Dodson - Philosopher King - Can Australia afford not to be reconciled?
Just read an article "Can Australia afford not to be reconciled?" by Patrick Dodson dated 3 December 2010 and some criticisms that he is too idealistic. For mine he is right on the money.
Guys go to http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article= and have a read. I choose to focus for the moment on this quote from Patrick:
"Perhaps instead of our colonisers focusing on the concept of terra nullius (no one's land), they should have focused on the notion aut disce aut discede - either learn or leave."
Preceding this quote Patrick argues that 22 decades of European intervention have managed to stuff up forests, rivers and landscapes while the Aboriginal peoples managed for thousands of years to sustain societies, feed their people, and manage the lands and oceans without destroying another species of bird, fish or animal. He goes on to say that it is not too late to incorporate into our pastoral, farming, land and sea management practices indigenous knowledge systems to help restore the balance of nature.
Many might attack Patrick for the sentiments of the preceding paragraph. They would probably want to say that what exists in Australia now is an advance on the hunter/gatherer society. To protect him in a way (...as if he needs it?) I guess he would be pleased at the bio-farming movement. I guess he would also agree that indigenous Aussies were burners of the land to flush out game and to cause the regeneration of vegetable matter. This burning is documented in some locations to have turned heavily vegetated land into grasslands, however very slowly. I think he might also admit that there is some evidence that his forebears hunted some species to extinction. However in general I agree in principle with his thinking about indigenous stewardship, reiterating that I think through bio-farming and the preservation of forests we are getting the message. Patrick's message is deeper as he really wants a genuine recognition that in a harsh land his forebears managed pretty well and that there be respect for their deep spiritual connection to the lands and waters.
He goes on to develop this further argument about recognition by non-indigenous Aussies of the deep spiritual bond of Aussie Aboriginal peoples with the land and the waters. He rightly argues that non-indigenous Aussies need to be open to reconciling with their indigenous brothers and sisters based on an openness to learn from the wisdom and riches of Australia's First Peoples. He so wisely observed: "On the occasion of the National Apology, we gave the world and ourselves a brief glimpse of who we, as a nation, might yet become." Imagine a time when the world is in no doubt that the norm in Australia is a deep respect for Aboriginal spirituality. Imagine the time when indigenous leaders of the status of philosopher kings and queens of their peoples at the grass roots level are regular members of diplomatic missions to the UN and other countries.
I hear Patrick, a great indigenous leader, saying to me a non-indigenous Aussie that he expects my mob to stay here in this wonderful land and open our minds and learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters. He expects us to get together and do it, especially with the referendum looming.
This bennethon blog is all about having the conversation that enables the learning to occur. The conversation can proceed against a backdrop of movements like GenOne opening up jobs for indigenous Aussies and medical people (.....many of whom are now indigenous doctors and nurses) bringing a humane action to assist with Aboriginal health and longevity.
What we don't need is federal govt interventions like the NT and Patrick has plenty to say about this. He cries out: "Right now - today- some of our greatest living artists, philosophers, spiritual leaders and their families remain subject to the racially inspired Northern Territory Emergency Response - the intervention. Against that backdrop, any notion of true reconciliation is farcical."
Yes Patrick the indigenous philosopher kings and queens of Australia are not being recognised and allowed to lead their communities to create a humane society that nurtures and shows the best of the indigenous cultures and encourages and mentors the taking on of useful aspects of the 21st century such as the medical healing that is available. This is not quite true because you and people like Noel Pearson, Mandawuy Yunupingu and Rosalie Kunoth-Monks (of the remote Utopia community) are philosopher kings and queens battling for self determination for your peoples and for the preservation of their cultural heritage. In all of this I agree with Patrick that the symbols of a culture are so important like the symbolic initiations from childhood to adulthood that now only reside in non-indigenous Australia in communities such as the Jewish communities of our land.
As we work our way through the maze I hope that a high level of respect for indigenous Australians is reached such that it is recognisable as part of being Australian. Such that it is the norm. Indigenous Aussies should be left in no doubt that this respect is daily there and manifest in so many ways. By achieving this 'respect' goal maybe indigenous Aussies who still feel like victims will be able to move beyond this into positive territory whereby they can, dare I say, forgive my forebears for taking their lands and waters by force, without recompense and without respect and can confidently seek recompense if they so want, knowing that this move will be respected by all Australia. The forgiveness thing is a big ask! I think Bob Hawke's idea of a Treaty is far from dead.
Governments can mentor change but unless there is the deep learning and respect between indigenous and non-indigenous Aussies at the grass roots will there be true reconciliation? I think not! Thank you Patrick for guiding us!
Guys go to http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article= and have a read. I choose to focus for the moment on this quote from Patrick:
"Perhaps instead of our colonisers focusing on the concept of terra nullius (no one's land), they should have focused on the notion aut disce aut discede - either learn or leave."
Preceding this quote Patrick argues that 22 decades of European intervention have managed to stuff up forests, rivers and landscapes while the Aboriginal peoples managed for thousands of years to sustain societies, feed their people, and manage the lands and oceans without destroying another species of bird, fish or animal. He goes on to say that it is not too late to incorporate into our pastoral, farming, land and sea management practices indigenous knowledge systems to help restore the balance of nature.
Many might attack Patrick for the sentiments of the preceding paragraph. They would probably want to say that what exists in Australia now is an advance on the hunter/gatherer society. To protect him in a way (...as if he needs it?) I guess he would be pleased at the bio-farming movement. I guess he would also agree that indigenous Aussies were burners of the land to flush out game and to cause the regeneration of vegetable matter. This burning is documented in some locations to have turned heavily vegetated land into grasslands, however very slowly. I think he might also admit that there is some evidence that his forebears hunted some species to extinction. However in general I agree in principle with his thinking about indigenous stewardship, reiterating that I think through bio-farming and the preservation of forests we are getting the message. Patrick's message is deeper as he really wants a genuine recognition that in a harsh land his forebears managed pretty well and that there be respect for their deep spiritual connection to the lands and waters.
He goes on to develop this further argument about recognition by non-indigenous Aussies of the deep spiritual bond of Aussie Aboriginal peoples with the land and the waters. He rightly argues that non-indigenous Aussies need to be open to reconciling with their indigenous brothers and sisters based on an openness to learn from the wisdom and riches of Australia's First Peoples. He so wisely observed: "On the occasion of the National Apology, we gave the world and ourselves a brief glimpse of who we, as a nation, might yet become." Imagine a time when the world is in no doubt that the norm in Australia is a deep respect for Aboriginal spirituality. Imagine the time when indigenous leaders of the status of philosopher kings and queens of their peoples at the grass roots level are regular members of diplomatic missions to the UN and other countries.
I hear Patrick, a great indigenous leader, saying to me a non-indigenous Aussie that he expects my mob to stay here in this wonderful land and open our minds and learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters. He expects us to get together and do it, especially with the referendum looming.
This bennethon blog is all about having the conversation that enables the learning to occur. The conversation can proceed against a backdrop of movements like GenOne opening up jobs for indigenous Aussies and medical people (.....many of whom are now indigenous doctors and nurses) bringing a humane action to assist with Aboriginal health and longevity.
What we don't need is federal govt interventions like the NT and Patrick has plenty to say about this. He cries out: "Right now - today- some of our greatest living artists, philosophers, spiritual leaders and their families remain subject to the racially inspired Northern Territory Emergency Response - the intervention. Against that backdrop, any notion of true reconciliation is farcical."
Yes Patrick the indigenous philosopher kings and queens of Australia are not being recognised and allowed to lead their communities to create a humane society that nurtures and shows the best of the indigenous cultures and encourages and mentors the taking on of useful aspects of the 21st century such as the medical healing that is available. This is not quite true because you and people like Noel Pearson, Mandawuy Yunupingu and Rosalie Kunoth-Monks (of the remote Utopia community) are philosopher kings and queens battling for self determination for your peoples and for the preservation of their cultural heritage. In all of this I agree with Patrick that the symbols of a culture are so important like the symbolic initiations from childhood to adulthood that now only reside in non-indigenous Australia in communities such as the Jewish communities of our land.
As we work our way through the maze I hope that a high level of respect for indigenous Australians is reached such that it is recognisable as part of being Australian. Such that it is the norm. Indigenous Aussies should be left in no doubt that this respect is daily there and manifest in so many ways. By achieving this 'respect' goal maybe indigenous Aussies who still feel like victims will be able to move beyond this into positive territory whereby they can, dare I say, forgive my forebears for taking their lands and waters by force, without recompense and without respect and can confidently seek recompense if they so want, knowing that this move will be respected by all Australia. The forgiveness thing is a big ask! I think Bob Hawke's idea of a Treaty is far from dead.
Governments can mentor change but unless there is the deep learning and respect between indigenous and non-indigenous Aussies at the grass roots will there be true reconciliation? I think not! Thank you Patrick for guiding us!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tell a story Australian - Australian Aboriginal Affairs
Maybe this blog is too altruistic. Just tell a story, your story so that all Aussies understand about indigenous culture(s) warts and all.
Tell a story about indigenous life in urban Australia, in rural (farming) Australia and in remote Australia.
One regular story is the negative comments from all in sundry when young indigenous persons commit crime and tangle with the full force of western law. I read a blog the other day by an indigenous person in which he berated the federal government for not being proactive on this and other matters.
I worked with indigenous persons who told the story of some indigenous persons who are called "coconuts": brown on the outside, white on the inside. Followers will know that this is indigenous persons criticising their own for adopting too much of the "so called" white lifestyle but I still ask: What's that all about?
I met a Principal of a Christian school who told me that indigenous Aussies worshipped the created and not the creator. A sad story as this so-called misguided christian revealed his misguided inner thinking.
Maaaate there are dozens of stories to be told. Facing the realities of how Aussies think will clear the air and hopefully lead to greater understanding and tolerance. We need to get on our bikes as the 2013 referendum is not far off.
Tell a story about indigenous life in urban Australia, in rural (farming) Australia and in remote Australia.
One regular story is the negative comments from all in sundry when young indigenous persons commit crime and tangle with the full force of western law. I read a blog the other day by an indigenous person in which he berated the federal government for not being proactive on this and other matters.
I worked with indigenous persons who told the story of some indigenous persons who are called "coconuts": brown on the outside, white on the inside. Followers will know that this is indigenous persons criticising their own for adopting too much of the "so called" white lifestyle but I still ask: What's that all about?
I met a Principal of a Christian school who told me that indigenous Aussies worshipped the created and not the creator. A sad story as this so-called misguided christian revealed his misguided inner thinking.
Maaaate there are dozens of stories to be told. Facing the realities of how Aussies think will clear the air and hopefully lead to greater understanding and tolerance. We need to get on our bikes as the 2013 referendum is not far off.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sounds of Silence - Australian Aboriginal Affairs
No comments as yet to enrich this blog. That's ok.
On the spiritual theme I had the good fortune in the 1980s to visit what was then called the Olgas, now called Kata Tjuta. It was like standing in a giant cathedral and circling overhead was a large eagle, almost as if it was the spirit guardian of that sacred place. I'll never forget that moment as the land whispered to me.
I have travelled all over the Kimberley, the Pilbara, the Goldfields and the South West of WA. There are so many wonderful spiritual places like the desert, especially at night with the pitch black contrasted against which are the stars of the rich southern hemisphere skies. It's shivering cold, even in summer, but the blazing sun of the day makes another contrast. It would be great to see comments on this blog site giving more detail about the significance to indigenous Aussies of various places across Australia.
On the spiritual theme I had the good fortune in the 1980s to visit what was then called the Olgas, now called Kata Tjuta. It was like standing in a giant cathedral and circling overhead was a large eagle, almost as if it was the spirit guardian of that sacred place. I'll never forget that moment as the land whispered to me.
I have travelled all over the Kimberley, the Pilbara, the Goldfields and the South West of WA. There are so many wonderful spiritual places like the desert, especially at night with the pitch black contrasted against which are the stars of the rich southern hemisphere skies. It's shivering cold, even in summer, but the blazing sun of the day makes another contrast. It would be great to see comments on this blog site giving more detail about the significance to indigenous Aussies of various places across Australia.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
KISS - Australian Aboriginal Affairs
Maybe I am being too flash when a conversation can be down to earth and really informative. Maybe I better stick to one of the key principles by which I operate that is the KISS principle in order that I do not get too carried away.
My first KISS statement is to get back to my firm belief that not too many non-indigenous Aussies have any depth of understanding about the culture(s) of indigenous Aussies. What proportion of non-indigenous Aussies have any serious contact with indigenous Aussies? Pretty small I think. Get into me if I am wrong!
I would like this conversation to contribute to correcting that imbalance and that negativities from non-indigenous Aussies towards indigenous Aussies would decrease markedly well before the referendum in 2013. The vote would then be meaningful. I am a rebel who also wants to see indigenous Aussies openly discussing whether they can forgive non-indigenous Aussies for mucking up their culture(s). This does not mean that I want to water down reparation concessions being argued for. I am unsure whether indigenous Aussies deep down want non-indigenous Aussies to leave and go back to the lands of their forebears. It's tricky and I guess I have opened the proverbial can of worms.
From my experience working in remote indigenous communities in WA, in medium to large rural townships and with indigenous communities in metro Perth, WA, there are differences between the culture of the remote communities and those in the medium to large rural towns and metro area cities. It is like two cultures but with a lot of common ground.
Given that I am using "culture" to mean the set of behaviours that define a people, think of all the areas one could chat about.
For example the way a people see the world in a religious or spiritual sense. I have long been fascinated by the connection that indigenous Aussies have to the land and the plants and animals they found and now find on that land. They had some pretty good explanations (stories) of how it all came about. I think of the Waggyl, the river serpent. of WA that winds its way through what is now metropolitan Perth but still Noongar country (....this will stir up some as there are various spellings for this people's title). I recoil when I remember the scathing remarks by non-indigenous Aussies against indigenous leaders when they want the spirit of the Waggyl recognised when development occurs in the Swan River valley.
Come on indigenous Australia tell your stories on this blog about the deep spirituality of your peoples and how you carry it proudly into the 21st century. Educate non-indigenous Australia. In the coming days I will raise some other cultural areas as part of the conversation but will be thrilled if I am beaten to the punch.
In case you hadn't guessed I am a non-indigenous Aussie bumbling around in the delicate area of indigenous culture. Please be patient with me!
My first KISS statement is to get back to my firm belief that not too many non-indigenous Aussies have any depth of understanding about the culture(s) of indigenous Aussies. What proportion of non-indigenous Aussies have any serious contact with indigenous Aussies? Pretty small I think. Get into me if I am wrong!
I would like this conversation to contribute to correcting that imbalance and that negativities from non-indigenous Aussies towards indigenous Aussies would decrease markedly well before the referendum in 2013. The vote would then be meaningful. I am a rebel who also wants to see indigenous Aussies openly discussing whether they can forgive non-indigenous Aussies for mucking up their culture(s). This does not mean that I want to water down reparation concessions being argued for. I am unsure whether indigenous Aussies deep down want non-indigenous Aussies to leave and go back to the lands of their forebears. It's tricky and I guess I have opened the proverbial can of worms.
From my experience working in remote indigenous communities in WA, in medium to large rural townships and with indigenous communities in metro Perth, WA, there are differences between the culture of the remote communities and those in the medium to large rural towns and metro area cities. It is like two cultures but with a lot of common ground.
Given that I am using "culture" to mean the set of behaviours that define a people, think of all the areas one could chat about.
For example the way a people see the world in a religious or spiritual sense. I have long been fascinated by the connection that indigenous Aussies have to the land and the plants and animals they found and now find on that land. They had some pretty good explanations (stories) of how it all came about. I think of the Waggyl, the river serpent. of WA that winds its way through what is now metropolitan Perth but still Noongar country (....this will stir up some as there are various spellings for this people's title). I recoil when I remember the scathing remarks by non-indigenous Aussies against indigenous leaders when they want the spirit of the Waggyl recognised when development occurs in the Swan River valley.
Come on indigenous Australia tell your stories on this blog about the deep spirituality of your peoples and how you carry it proudly into the 21st century. Educate non-indigenous Australia. In the coming days I will raise some other cultural areas as part of the conversation but will be thrilled if I am beaten to the punch.
In case you hadn't guessed I am a non-indigenous Aussie bumbling around in the delicate area of indigenous culture. Please be patient with me!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Let's go - It's a conversation leading up to the 2013 referendum about indigenous Aussies
No one wants to talk as yet and fair enough. It won't be news to followers of this blog that in 2013 there is a referendum in which Aussies will be asked whether indigenous Aussies are to be recognised in the Aussie constitution. My best guess is that it will be a resounding yes but conversations leading up to this event can ensure that all non-indigenous Aussies truly understand indigenous culture(s) such that any negativity towards indigenous Aussies has gone. I am passionate that the yes vote be based on a positive brotherly and sisterly relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous Aussies. Come on you indigenous Aussies be bold in describing your culture as it is something to be proud of and to be acclaimed. Educate non-indigenous Australia. Mick Gooda, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner indicated recently that his people need to be heard in the decision making about their future. He further indicated that the lead up to the 2013 referendum was a vital period to be used to develop a positive attitude in non-indigenous Aussies towards indigenous Aussies.
I have heard other key persons fighting for the indigenous cause also argue for a major attitudinal shift by non-indigenous Aussies if true reconciliation is to be achieved between indigenous and non-indigenous Aussies. So many (not all) non-indigenous Aussies have given little consideration to the terrible impact on indigenous culture(s) of the 1788 landings and subsequent events, Much healing is yet to be done.
I have heard other key persons fighting for the indigenous cause also argue for a major attitudinal shift by non-indigenous Aussies if true reconciliation is to be achieved between indigenous and non-indigenous Aussies. So many (not all) non-indigenous Aussies have given little consideration to the terrible impact on indigenous culture(s) of the 1788 landings and subsequent events, Much healing is yet to be done.
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