Voices Still to be Heard

Abstract

In a climate of self-determination it is essential to clarify what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves feel about their cultural identity and future. These voices exist in a context of the great potential in Aboriginal culture and by contrast the severe problems which Aboriginal people face.Lippman (1994) argues that, although there is some evidence of Aboriginal status becoming more equitable, education being one instance to avail self-determination, data continue to reveal that Aboriginal mortality and morbidity rates lie in stark contrast to those of the general population of Australia. The death rate for Aboriginal men and women of 35 to 44 years is eight times higher than for the average non-Aboriginal (Ferrari, 1997). Queensland Health (1996) recently reported that Cape York has yet to experience the mortality gains seen by Indigenous populations in New Zealand and North America.

Older Indigenous Australians: their integral role in culture and community

“…This is a theme that is evident in Gool and Patton's [25] study in an urban setting, which illustrates how older Indigenous people help and support the young through racist experiences. This study also shows how trips to the bush can increase the self‐confidence of the young [25]. One school, Yipirinya School at Alice Springs, incorporates bush trips into their curriculum.…”

“…These Elders were highly respected keepers of knowledge, traits that remain important in many contemporary Indigenous cultures [12]. The land is essential to Indigenous culture, and, human health and country health are interdependent, which demonstrates the immense strength displayed by those who fight for Indigenous’ land and rights [25,26]. As Mandawuy Yunupingu [22: p. 6] states:…”

“…He attributed his knowledge of life skills, principles of cultural and environmental maintenance and means for dealing with racism to the teaching methods of his Elders [15]. This is a theme that is evident in Gool and Patton's [25] study in an urban setting, which illustrates how older Indigenous people help and support the young through racist experiences. This study also shows how trips to the bush can increase the self‐confidence of the young [25].…”