They want a "a space of our own, free from influence of government". Land rights. Recognition that Aboriginal people have always maintained a property right in land and the natural resources according to their law and customs. They want an acknowledgement that Australia has not been settled.
First Nations, Metis & Inuit communities across Canada deserve the right to self-determination and self-governance, better education for their children, improved drinking water, and an overall improvement in their standard of living.
The complex set of spiritual values developed by Aboriginal people and that are part of the Dreamtime include 'self-control, self-reliance, courage, kinship and friendship, empathy, a holistic sense of oneness and interdependence, reverence for land and Country and a responsibility for others.
Activists kept fighting for improved health and education, land rights and an end to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, avoidance of eye contact is customarily a gesture of respect. In Western society averting gaze can be viewed as being dishonest, rude Page 2 or showing lack of interest.
Communities lack medical and disability services, and often have no Home or Community Care services. Lack of medical care. There might be no dental care, and sometimes there is no professional medical centre at all. Little education.
Aboriginal culture is based on respect
The very foundation of our unique culture lies in the respect we have for our land and our elders.
Make a plan to support Indigenous communities in your area by donating money to local Indigenous organizations, supporting their movements and campaigns, or committing to returning land. Being an ally to Indigenous Peoples means grappling with the fact that you live on stolen land.
Regardless of the source, a sense of belonging is important for people to remain in a place, feel that they can contribute and have value. For Aboriginal people, it is their connection to country that holds them to a place and community. For others, it is the culture of a 'country way of doing things'.
The consensus, however, is that whenever possible, Native people prefer to be called by their specific tribal name. In the United States, Native American has been widely used but is falling out of favor with some groups, and the terms American Indian or Indigenous American are preferred by many Native people.
But much of Native American lands ended up in private hands, and tribes are increasingly buying back that land.
An Acknowledgement of Country should be made at formal events, formal or larger meetings and in meetings with external parties, but use your judgment for shorter, informal internal meetings. Beginning your meetings with an Acknowledgement shows respect and recognition for Aboriginal culture, land, heritage and history.
One way of establishing and building links with the local community, is to attend community events and meetings. Take the time to explain to the local people, who you are, what you do and how members of the Aboriginal community can be involved in your program.
While there is much diversity among Indigenous Peoples and Nations overall, Indigenous ethics resonate with the values of honour, trust, honesty, and humility; they reflect commitment to the collective and embody a respectful relationship with the land.
However, keep in mind that eye contact can make Aboriginal people feel awkward and they may look the other way. Some Aboriginal people may consider direct eye contact a sign of hostility, or bad manners .
Family, land, law, and language are four critical aspects of Aboriginal culture, and Aboriginal families are linked to land via kinship systems.
Multiple threats and obstacles hinder their social, economic, political and legal development, including discrimination and marginalization; lack of rights to land and natural and productive resources; denial and lack of access to justice; violations of cultural rights; denial of the rights to legal recognition, ...
Shame may be felt as a result of: • a lack of respect • embarrassment • self importance/self promotion • rudeness • a breach of accepted Aboriginal “norms” and/or taboos A shame job is an an event which causes a person shame or embarrassment.
Cut off from resources and traditions vital to their welfare and survival, many Indigenous Peoples face even greater marginalization, poverty, disease and violence – and sometimes, extinction as a people.