Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are
strong, rich and diverse. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity is
central to this priority and is intrinsically linked to living, learning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, deep knowledge traditions
and holistic world view” (Acara,n.d.). The
Aboriginal people are the world’s most ancient living culture; they have
occupied Australia for at least 50,000 years. The Aboriginal people lived in
clans; each clan had a spiritual connection with their region. These clans all
had different languages or dialects and would carry out certain rituals and
totemic gatherings on the land. The Aboriginal people live by a legacy based on
spiritual knowledge. They have a deep understanding of the land and are at one
with the earth and nature. This knowledge of the land and spiritual world is
brought together through rituals, art, dance, music and secret stories known as
‘dreamtime.
Torres Strait Islanders are the second group of Indigenous
Australians and a minority within a minority” (Shnukal, n.d.). “Torres Strait
Islanders are not mainland Aboriginal people who inhabit the islands of Torres
Strait. They are a separate people in origin, history and way of life. From the
waters of the Strait, where the Coral and Arafura Seas meet in one of the most
fragile and intricate waterways in the world, rise hundreds of islands, islets,
cays, reefs and sandbanks. All these are traditionally named, owned and used.
No two islands are identical, each being shaped by its unique landscape,
stories and history. In the past many more islands were inhabited. Islanders
live today in 18 permanent communities on 17 islands although they continue to
visit their traditionally owned islands for fishing, gardening, food
collecting, camping and picnicking” (Shnukal, n.d.).Torres Strait Islander has
different types of tribes. For example the tradition name for one of the tribe
is Masig and the English name is York Island (I. Anson, personal communication,
April 24, 2013). The Australian Curriculum: science values Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. It acknowledges that Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have longstanding scientific knowledge
traditions.
Reference
Australian curriculum. (n.d.). Aboriginal and torres strait islanders histories and cultures. Retrieved
10 April 2013 from
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-histories-and-cultures
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-histories-and-cultures
Shnukal, A. (n.d). Introduction.
Retrieved 10 April 2013 from
http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/doc/shnukal_torres_strait.pdf
http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/doc/shnukal_torres_strait.pdf
Mungumby lodge. (2013). Cooktown/gungarde.
Retrieved 24 April 2013 from
http://www.mungumby.com/index.php/cultural/
http://www.mungumby.com/index.php/cultural/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2PwPlYA4w0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqkgKkW8o6E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGWToL1Zo_U&list=PL3DD26FB38467ACA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqkgKkW8o6E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGWToL1Zo_U&list=PL3DD26FB38467ACA
This is the Aboriginal Laura dance.
Torres Strait Islanders traditional dance.