18.7.1 What is customary law? Customary law refers to the guidelines for behaviour that have been developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. These laws are passed on by word of mouth and have not been written down. In what way is customary law significant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples? We will explore the answer to this question throughout the rest of this lesson. The Dreaming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ laws originated in the Dreaming. The Dreaming is an English term that refers to the origins and practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beliefs and cultural systems. These communities have a very strong relationship with the land. They believe that they do not own the land — that the land is a spiritual part of them, and that there can be no separation of one from the other. The stories, songs and dances about the Dreaming reveal the many ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are connected to the land. Dreaming stories Dreaming stories are used by elders to pass on customary laws and provide guidance and instructions about how to behave and the right way to live. Young people are expected to listen to their elders, be obedient, not be greedy or steal. Customary law covers food, family rules, marriage requirements and spiritual responsibilities. Songs and dances are used to pass down customary law.
FIGURE2 Fern Pool, Karijini National Park. On the traditional lands of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians believe that the Australian landscape and all its features were created by their ancestors.
548 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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