Dating back at least 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are one of the most distinct, unique and diverse aspects of the Australian story.
From red-desert and saltwater country to traditional ceremonial practices and world-class contemporary arts, the story of the First Australians resonates the world over. Aboriginal cultures are the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. Their nations are as separate as the nations of Europe and Africa. Every plant and every animal are their family; they are their ancestors. Such an interconnected perspective is radically different to the West where the landscape is seen as separate, or literally outside of the human experience as we know it. In Aboriginal cultures, people and the land merge; they are part of each other, and this is exactly why travelling with an Aboriginal guide can be transformational and reshape how you connect with the world. Whether it’s through feeling the light strip of ochre across the forehead or walking along the beach with an Aboriginal Elder who can read the tides by how the birds call, travelling with an Aboriginal guide opens a door to a view that makes a place many times more meaningful than if you were to explore it on your own.
UNDERSTANDING AUSTRALIA’S INDIGENOUS CULTURES
Multi-faceted and imbued with ancient wisdom, Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit; getting to know their approach to life and hearing their incredible stories may well be one of the richest travel experiences available.
Aboriginal Identity
Australia’s Aboriginal history dates back more than 60,000 years. Australian Aboriginal people originate from the mainland of Australia, as well as Tasmania. Cultural practices, protocols and traditions vary significantly among Aboriginal nation groups, however, the unifying element consistent across Aboriginal culture is a shared connection to Country and community.
Torres Strait Islander Identity
Torres Strait Islander people originate from the Torres Strait Islands to the north of Cape York in Queensland and have more than 8,000 years of documented history. The Torres Strait Islands consist of more than 100 islands clustered into several island groups (17 of which are inhabited) and 18 community groups. Their culture derives from strong Pacific Island influences, and the Torres Strait Islander culture and identity centralize around the sea.
Language Groups
Australia’s Aboriginal population is made up of more than 250 nation/language groups. When referring to Aboriginal peoples, the preference is to name their language group.
Spirituality Indigenous
Spirituality underpins the very core values and beliefs of Indigenous society. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spirituality derives from the philosophy that everyone and everything is interconnected. The land, people, creatures, animate and inanimate objects, the past, present and future all intertwine, creating a complex system of responsibilities, obligations, and connectedness. Indigenous spirituality centres around creationism and as a general rule is demonstrated through creation stories that describe the shaping and development of the world by Indigenous Ancestor Spirits.
Dreaming and Dreamtime
Dreamtime is an anglicized translation referring to the creation period by Ancestral Beings in both human and non-human form. Dreaming is the Aboriginal concept of spirituality and an embodiment of Aboriginal creation beliefs. It is an anglicized translation of a uniquely Aboriginal concept that has different meanings and different names for different Aboriginal peoples.
Ceremonies
Ceremonies form a pivotal part of Aboriginal existence, with predefined practices surrounding marriage, funerals, coming-of-age and initiation practices. History, culture and heritage are passed on to the next generation through storytelling, and lore governs the management of hunting lines, sacred places and ceremonial grounds.
Experiencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' incredibly diverse cultures result in an exciting array of experiences for adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies and nature lovers in locations both urban and remote. Experiences could include anything from exploring labyrinths of ancient and contemporary rock art, quad biking, kayaking, whale watching, fishing, mud crabbing, hiking, a walking tour in a city centre or exploring over 500 square kilometres of lily-laden flood plains teeming with wildlife. Indigenous guides add incredible value to these experiences bringing Country to life, where past, present and future meet.
There are many places in Australia where you can enjoy the enlightenment of an indigenous experience and engage with Aboriginal Australians as they share their culture. To find holiday accommodation around destinations like Cairns, Port Douglas and throughout Queensland as well as Darwin, Alice Springs and throughout the Northern Territory visit Search and Stay.
For more information, Australia.com.
Source: Tourism Australia - Australia.com @Australia
