I have just returned from a wonderful adventurous holiday touring in the Northern Territory where I learnt many new things.
I learnt that the forces of nature can break all the rules in the book……it rained in the desert in the dry season!
I learnt that many Australian young adults don’t like to explore their own country, but rather prefer going overseas. All the European backpackers were amazed that we hadn’t been to NT already. Never mind that it’s a 4 hour flight away!!
I learnt that it is possible to acquire a fantastic tan in winter without leaving the country, making people in Sydney remarkably jealous!
I learnt that I am a terrible didgeridoo player.
I also learnt that despite growing up and being educated in Australia, I am clueless when it comes to Aboriginal culture.
In fact, it is a misnomer to refer to the ‘Aboriginal culture’ as there are so many different cultures, traditions, languages and stories belonging to various tribes. It is like lumping all Europeans together and talking about the European culture……I don’t think the French and the Italians would be too happy with that!
Throughout the tour, the guide informed us of the culture of each Aboriginal tribe in the region and the dreamtime stories of creation. The guide also tried to reconcile the different mentality us white fellas have compared to the Aborigines. We shouldn’t judge a different culture by using our own measures of success.
Our education systems are also completely different. Aborigines can only learn more from their elders if they can prove that they deserve to learn more. We on the other hand are forced to learn, even if our minds are too immature to receive the knowledge.
Having said all that, there is a lack of indigenous students at universities. Our western values view this as a great problem and therefore try and encourage as many indigenous students as possible to attend Uni. At Sydney University, there is a school of Indigenous Health at Cumberland campus called Yooroang Garang. It provides academic courses, training and support programs, such as the Special Admission (Cadigal) program and the Aboriginal Health Sciences Preparatory Program, to indigenous students.
Then again, maybe we should all be taking courses at uni such as how to use our imagination and dream again!
Comments
Glad to hear you got introduced to yet another culture, that can be added to the chronicles of K. there's a really good movie out right now called "Ten Canoes" it's playing at most Dendy Cinemas.
If you've got the time to spare, it's a fun movie that i think you'll find quite timely.
-Ra
Posted by: Rahil | July 25, 2006 02:26 PM
Hi Keren,
Wow! Finally someon mentioned Aboriginal students on the blog - thanks! I am in year 12 and would love to go to uni. ive read the blog a few times and its pretty cool!
I want to do teaching - is there any special program for Aboriginal students in education or anything?
Hayley
Posted by: Hayley | July 25, 2006 08:22 PM
Hi Hayley!
There is a program at Sydney University called the cadigal scheme which is trying to encourage Indigenous Australians to go to University.
Basically, the cadigal scheme is a type of special entry into University as well as an academic support program.
It would be worth looking at this website http://www.koori.usyd.edu.au/studying/cadigal.shtml as the cadigal scheme can be applied to education.
You need to fill out your UAC application form and also fill in a Cadigal special entry form which is available from the Koori centre.
Good luck Hayley!
Posted by: Keren | July 31, 2006 05:35 PM
I am completely guilty of the wanting to go overseas before interstate mentality. However, since returning from Europe (great place by the way!) I've decided there is plenty to see in Australia - especially if you want to avoid the hefty international airfares!
Posted by: Ghassan | August 14, 2006 12:38 PM