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An Amplified Identity
Topic: Country
by Alice, 2019 Cohort
This primer will look specifically at the meaning of ‘country’ to First Nation peoples, the consequences of colonialism and possible steps towards reconciliation. The above image of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, they are advocates for all issues encompassing indigenous ‘country.’
For First Nation peoples, ‘country’ is the understanding that Indigenous people, culture, nature and the land are linked. ‘Country’ encompasses cultural practices, knowledge, songs, stories and art, as well as all people past, present and future.
For thousands of years, First Nation peoples have developed their connection to the land, and their all- encompassing meaning of ‘country’. White settlement took many elements of country away from the Indigenous population. Firstly, Australia was colonised on the grounds of Terra Nullius, that the land belonged to
Terra Nullius continued until the late 1970s. This denied First Nation peoples of their connection to the land. It was disputed in 1982, by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo, who took legal action against the government to disprove Terra Nullius and prove Indigenous Australian’s rights to land. This led to the 1992 Native Title Act, which recognised First Nation peoples claim to land prior to European settlement. This case serves as evidence that prior to 1992, European colonisation created a disconnect between Indigenous people and country.
Secondly, the genocidal policy of forcible removal of Indigenous children known as the stolen generation, has also denied Indigenous connection to ‘country’. From 1910-1970, Indigenous children with light skin or mixed raced parents, were forcibly taken away from their family to be raised in white society. This has had an intergenerational effect on Indigenous peoples as traditions of ‘country’ could no longer be passed on. An example being language; historically there were over 300 Indigenous languages, today there are less than 50 and these are endangered. Those who are affected by the stolen generation suffer from self-identity issues which have spill on effects onto things such as poverty, health and crime. Effectively, the stolen generation wiped out much of the Indigenous culture associated with ‘country’.
The relationship between ‘country’ and Indigenous identity is multifaceted, and to understand this is essential in moving towards reconciliation. There have been steps towards reconciliation, such as the return of land title back to the Gurindji people in 1975, the apology in 2008 by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for the policy of forcible removal of Aboriginal children and the Native Title Act abolishing Terra Nullius. Acknowledging the country of Indigenous peoples and supporting Indigenous-led community initiatives is important to help heal the consequences of the stolen generation through reconnection with country to restore identity, culture, language, heritage and family.
There are many other corrective measures that can be taken to reduce the destruction of Indigenous people’s connection to ‘country’. For example, a greater focus should be given to ‘Bridging the Gap’ initiatives between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This includes greater accessibility to educational opportunities and appropriate health care in Indigenous communities. Similarly, reconstructing the history of Australia taught in the National Curriculum to include more Indigenous history.
The past actions of white Australians have distorted and degraded Indigenous Australians connection to ‘country’. Today, Australians can take meaningful steps together towards reconciliation and help correct the mistakes of the past to improve the future of First Nation Peoples.
Explore this topic further#
- Bruce Pascoe on Aboriginal agriculture Radio National{.link-ext target=”_blank”}
- NITV’s coverage of Nat’s Journey to Country NITV{.link-ext target=”_blank”}
- ABC’s Education package on Vincent Lingiari ABC Website{.link-ext target=”_blank”} ABC News Timeline{.link-ext target=”_blank”}
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Disclaimer#
This content has been contributed by a student as part of a learning activity.
If there are inaccuracies, or opportunities for significant improvement on this topic, feedback is welcome on how to improve the resource.
You can improve articles on this topic as a student in "Unravelling Complexity", or by including the amendments in an email to: Chris.Browne@anu.edu.au
This primer will look specifically at the meaning of ‘country’ to First Nation peoples, the consequences of colonialism and possible steps towards reconciliation. The above image of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, they are advocates for all issues encompassing indigenous ‘country.’
For First Nation peoples, ‘country’ is the understanding that Indigenous people, culture, nature and the land are linked. ‘Country’ encompasses cultural practices, knowledge, songs, stories and art, as well as all people past, present and future.
For thousands of years, First Nation peoples have developed their connection to the land, and their all- encompassing meaning of ‘country’. White settlement took many elements of country away from the Indigenous population. Firstly, Australia was colonised on the grounds of Terra Nullius, that the land belonged to
Terra Nullius continued until the late 1970s. This denied First Nation peoples of their connection to the land. It was disputed in 1982, by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo, who took legal action against the government to disprove Terra Nullius and prove Indigenous Australian’s rights to land. This led to the 1992 Native Title Act, which recognised First Nation peoples claim to land prior to European settlement. This case serves as evidence that prior to 1992, European colonisation created a disconnect between Indigenous people and country.
Secondly, the genocidal policy of forcible removal of Indigenous children known as the stolen generation, has also denied Indigenous connection to ‘country’. From 1910-1970, Indigenous children with light skin or mixed raced parents, were forcibly taken away from their family to be raised in white society. This has had an intergenerational effect on Indigenous peoples as traditions of ‘country’ could no longer be passed on. An example being language; historically there were over 300 Indigenous languages, today there are less than 50 and these are endangered. Those who are affected by the stolen generation suffer from self-identity issues which have spill on effects onto things such as poverty, health and crime. Effectively, the stolen generation wiped out much of the Indigenous culture associated with ‘country’.
The relationship between ‘country’ and Indigenous identity is multifaceted, and to understand this is essential in moving towards reconciliation. There have been steps towards reconciliation, such as the return of land title back to the Gurindji people in 1975, the apology in 2008 by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for the policy of forcible removal of Aboriginal children and the Native Title Act abolishing Terra Nullius. Acknowledging the country of Indigenous peoples and supporting Indigenous-led community initiatives is important to help heal the consequences of the stolen generation through reconnection with country to restore identity, culture, language, heritage and family.
There are many other corrective measures that can be taken to reduce the destruction of Indigenous people’s connection to ‘country’. For example, a greater focus should be given to ‘Bridging the Gap’ initiatives between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This includes greater accessibility to educational opportunities and appropriate health care in Indigenous communities. Similarly, reconstructing the history of Australia taught in the National Curriculum to include more Indigenous history.
The past actions of white Australians have distorted and degraded Indigenous Australians connection to ‘country’. Today, Australians can take meaningful steps together towards reconciliation and help correct the mistakes of the past to improve the future of First Nation Peoples.