Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are connected to the land and each other through kinship groups. Elders are trusted with the knowledge and responsibility of caring for the land and passing it to future generations. The language holds words and ideas that have no equivalent in English, showing their deep understanding of the land. This is their connection to Country. This spiritual connection is maintained through ceremonial practices. The land provides for the people, and they manage and sustain it through culture, ceremonies, kinship and laws.
FIGURE9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have a strong connection to their family, community and culture.
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Identify with a clan or language group
Recognised homeland/ Traditional country
Live on Country
Attended a cultural event
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Language and culture According to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples languages are spoken in Australia. In the 2021 census, one in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples said they spoke an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language at home. Acknowledgement of Country To show respect, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous Australians acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of the land, along with their ancestors and traditions. 10.9.7 How are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples connecting others to Country? About 200 km north of Broome is the Kimberley region. Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have set up camping sites where visitors can have a cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy yarns around the campýre, and learn about local history and the seasonal lifestyle, like bush foods and ýshing. Supported by Tourism Western Australia and run by the Traditional Custodians, the aim is to foster understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous people. Money from tourism stays in the local community.
396 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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