'ABORIGINAL' TOPIC

cf also THINK , Work, Response,  Aboriginals 1 Jesus  

Our experience

• As white Australians living in the city we have had minimal contact with Aboriginal Australians. (One of our members recalls 'trespassing' on an area at the St. Kilda Esplanade and having a bottle thrown at him for doing so).
• Our main exposure to Aboriginal issues has been through art (positive), music (positive), sport, football expecially (positive) and conflict and controversy(negative). Examples of the last-mentioned are: excessive alcohol use, the sorts of attitudes one associates with Pauline Hanson, the matter of the 'stolen' generation of aborigianl children, clashes between Mining companies and Aboriginal peoples.  The media presentation of matters aboriginal is our strongest influence, whether for good or for bad.
• What we understand of the Aboriginal association with the land is an essential oneness with the land.  Ayer's Rock has been re-named Uluru.
• Two major legal decisions within recent years have been MABO and WIK.  While we do not understand the intricacies of these decisions, we believe MABO recognized unbroken association with the land for a group, therefore doing away with the concept of 'terra nullius' and recognizing prior rights of these people.  WIK, we believe, sees that land can be occupied by both European and Aboriginal peoples jointly.
• Does the New Zealand experience teach us something (Treaty of Waitangi)?  Does the North American - US or Canada experience teach us something?
• Is the future a stark choice between assimilation/blending or remain separate and develop separately?
• 'Reconciliation' is a word frequently used in Government policy in reference to future relationships between white and black Australia (Reconciliation Convention held Melbourne 26-28th May).

The Tradition
 

• " For us, you and the values you represent are precious.  We deeply respect your dignity and reiterate our deep affection for you". (Pope John Paul II in Alic Springs on occasion of his visit).
• 'The preservation and protection of historical, cultural and sacred sites. should be a basic principle in the determination of Aboriginals'