The Dreaming stories, traditions and ancestral connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are tied to a speciýc area or place. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples speak to Country, sing to Country, visit Country, worry about Country, feel sorry for Country, celebrate Country and long for Country. It is intrinsic to their very being.
FIGURE2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples living in urban and rural areas by state, 2021
120
Urban areas Rural areas
100
80
60
40
20
0
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2021
SkillBuilder discussion Geographical inquiry 1. Which state or territory shown in FIGURE2 has the highest urban percentage? 2. How do Queensland and New South Wales compare? 3. What’s the trend for urban vs rural living?
10.9.2 Healthy Country, healthy people The land supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples spiritually, physically, socially and culturally. Their mental and physical health often reþects the health of their Country. For example, those near the Murray River link their poor health to the poor condition of the river. Environmental damage and access limits have made it hard to share traditional knowledge and activities, which have negative consequences for people and land. Being on Country helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ mental health. Many feel better by reconnecting with Country. This strengthens their identity and improves their mental wellbeing. On Country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can do traditional activities, like gathering traditional foods which involves walking (see FIGURE3 ), digging and chopping. These methods also have big health beneýts.
392 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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