Aboriginal and Toress Strait Islander histories and cultures



(ChuulaMedia, 2011) Using fire to control the bush growth

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander have been looking after the land for hundreds of years by using natural resources found on the land. Aboriginal people use natural water and food that are found on the land to survive throughout the year. I remember in primary school when the teachers taught us about Aboriginal culture I was a bit amazed that they were able to survive by just using natural resources from the land. Aboriginal people used fire to control and predict plant growth so they could attract animals for hunting (Korff, n.d.). They used the land resources to live with the land which would have a more sustainably impact to the environment. They are connected with their country, people, culture and identity, finding all four aspect really import to their life. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would pass down knowledge about survival using the land from generation to generation. However ever since the European settlers arrived, their traditional homelands have been decreasing. Australia history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was a cruel history as the native of the land were often denied to their land and were sometimes killed. In 2012 for an assignment for modern history I was shocked about the details of The Myall Creek Massacre in 1838. The details about how the black people were killed deeply upset and horrify me how people could kill another depending on their skin colour. 

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander want to remain connected to their land even them being relocated to different areas (Amnesty International Australia, 2011). Some have become natural farmers and land rangers where they could be on their homeland and control the environment (ChuulaMedia, 2011). 



(Amnesty International Australia, 2011) Aboriginal family

 Further Information: Aboriginal Clan Documentary on their life and culture

Reference List:

Amnesty International Australia. (2011). 5 facts about homelands. Retrieved 23 April 2013 from: http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/26125

ChuulaMedia. (2011). Northern Kaanju Ngaachi documentary. Retrieved 23 April 2013 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YG5FrnEwyU

Korff, J. (n.d.). Aboriginal land care. Retrieved 23 April 2013 from: http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/land/aboriginal-land-care#toc0