This year’s Pride Theme ‘Homecoming’ has some relevance for the Aboriginal community – not the least of which is the fact that this continent that we ‘Australians’ inhabit has been their home for more than 40,000 years! During this time of celebration, it is important for us all to remember this fact and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live.
Let us also not forget the fact that the policies of Commonwealth and State Governments since colonisation has forced many Aboriginal people off their traditional country, the home of their Ancestors and a place for which they have very strong affinity – the phrase ‘connection to country’ is very appropriate in this regard.
The Aboriginal connection to country defines their very being and identity and is based on traditions and stories passed on through countless generations. Thankfully this knowledge is now being acknowledged and this detailed knowledge of country is being used in natural resource management programs to help restore and rehabilitate the natural systems that have been degraded in the relatively short time span since Europeans arrived on this continent in the late eighteenth century.
Unfortunately, there are many Aboriginal people who have not only been forced off the country that was inhabited by their ancestors but in many cases; they have lost connection with living relatives due to the policy of removing Aboriginal children from their families. These Stolen Generations are now struggling to come to terms, not only with the bad treatment or abuse that they received when they were removed, but also with the loss of connection with parents, brothers and sisters.
Anyone who has had any contact with the Aboriginal community is well aware of the critical importance of family but also of the wide definition of family. Non-Aboriginal people tend to think of family as the ‘nuclear family’ and this comprises little more than Mum and Dad and a few children. In the Aboriginal community, a family could mean well over 100 people by the time that you include aunties and uncles and cousins from both sides of the family.
Not surprisingly, therefore, a ‘homecoming’ is a very important thing for Aboriginal people, but sadly one that is increasingly difficult to achieve. Can they physically access their traditional country if it is now controlled by mining or farming interests? Do they know where their home is actually located? Do they know their family?
The Queers for Reconciliation mob wish everyone a Happy Pride and hope that you get the opportunity to party! It would be great, however, if you also took the time to ponder the meaning of homecoming for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. If you’d like to know more about these issues you could attend an introductory cultural awareness session with Jim Morrison (0408 917 133) or Alan Carter (0428 250 155). Give us a call if you’d like to know more or would like to attend a workshop!
Jim Morrison and Alan Carter,
Queers for Reconciliation
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