Source: Red Dust
Last week, some of the Sequana team attended a workshop on ‘Foundation for Reconciliation’ held by Red Dust, an organisation whose mission is ‘working together to enrich lives, improve health and strengthen the future of Indigenous youth and families.’
The workshop took place in a high-rise building with a breathtaking view overlooking the Yarra River, with water a symbolic element that forever carries the past, present and future flows of ancient and diverse cultures and is home to the Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the Yarra River Valley.
Red Dust’s workshop brought together an intimate group of people for an interactive session, where engaging conversations were facilitated, and experiences were shared in a genuine and safe space. Hosted by Red Dust Facilitator and Speaker Nathan Daly, a Torres Strait Islander from Badu Island, who grew up in Kuku-Yalanji country and Reconciliation Programs Manager, Matthew Jolly, the sessions kicked off with participants asked to think about and share what cultural awareness and reconciliation mean to them and to introspect their own sense of belonging by identifying their mob, country, cultural and spiritual heritage.
Education around cultural awareness and reconciliation in a country that needs deep healing and drastic changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples to thrive is eye-opening and challenging.
This workshop helped attendees understand how colonisation attempted to erase the ancient, unique and diverse cultures of the First Australians and explored the myths that we have learned about the story of our nation.
Some key outtakes from the workshop included (but certainly not limited to):
HOW TO BECOME AN ALLY TO ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER GROUPS
Red Dust’s workshop encouraged participants to explore how to become allies with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, educating and sharing knowledge to stop cultural assimilation whilst cementing real identities both geographically and historically.
“We often get asked – what can we do to bring about Reconciliation – and when we investigate this question further, we often find that the assumption is that First Nations Australians need to be fixed, saved, or solved. In reality, many of the issues that require reconciliation involve the need for non-Indigenous Australians to change,” says Matthew.
To get more context on Matthew’s comment, watch the ABC Q&A from 2014, where Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, an Arrernte and Anmatjerre woman who was an activist, Jedda actor and human rights campaigner, stated her thoughts on cultural assimilation.
CORRECT USE OF TERMINOLOGY
Nathan touched on the different terminology when entities discuss or write about First Nations Australians. For instance, the terminology that is accepted is: ‘First Nations people’, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’, ‘Indigenous Australians’, ‘Elders’, ‘Traditional Owners’, ‘Custodians’ or the use of the plural in words like ‘Cultures’, ‘Nations’, ‘Languages’ and ‘Histories’ – since there is great diversity within Aboriginal Australia. However, terminology can change over time, and where possible, it is best practice to find out what the preferred term is from the respective Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander group or individual you are referring to.
ENSURING APPROPRIATE AND MEANINGFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
An important topic touched on was Acknowledgment of Country, with insights shared to help participants understand both when it is appropriate to Acknowledge Country; and to ensure it is delivered in a meaningful way. For example, the general Acknowledgement of Country available on government platforms is often too generic and doesn’t feel relatable or genuine. A more respectful way is to research the Indigenous community that lives in the specific area where the acknowledgment takes place and relate it to their unique customs, beliefs and cultures.
Source: Indigenous languages map by artist Dave Foster, highlighting over 380 Aboriginal tribes and dialects.
To dive more into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia’s richness, head here.
ESTABLISHING YOUR OWN CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Another engaging discussion was around establishing your own cultural foundation by exploring three questions: Who’s your mob? Where’s your Country? What’s your cultural and spiritual background? These questions and responses matter to Aboriginal communities, they care about creating deeper connections and sharing truth and knowledge. It allowed the participants to deep dive into their own origins and beliefs which inform their ideas about identity, culture and reconciliation.
“Our Reconciliation Education process provides a mirror – not a spotlight. Through a process of starting with ourselves, educating ourselves and challenging ourselves, we can effect change in ourselves as individuals and as a nation,” says Nathan.
Click here to learn more about and sign up for upcoming workshops: Red Dust Role Models | Humanitix
ABOUT RED DUST
The team at Red Dust is comprised of dedicated and passionate Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians focused on the mission to “enrich lives, improve health and strengthen the future of Indigenous youth and families” in remote communities in the Northern Territory.
The Foundations for Reconciliation course and other Reconciliation Education programs raise money to support remote community programs while creating a meaningful journey towards shared cultural identity, diversity and reconciliation for all people across Australia.
To learn more about Red Dust: Red Dust | Supporting Indigenous Communities
Source: Red Dust
