The Aboriginal settled the Australian
continent more than 40,000 years ago. They lived in total isolation from the
rest of the world, existing by hunting and gathering. In the 18th
century, the Europeans arrived, forcing the Aboriginals off their territories.
Today, many feel isolated from white society, but still try to preserve their
tribal identity.
Aboriginal History
Aboriginals first reached Australia during
the last Ice Age/ sea levels were low, and they were able to cross from
Southeast Asia over and bridges and small stretches of water. When the ice
melted and sea levels rose again, the continent was completely cut off.
Initially, the settlers clung to the coasts and rivers, but gradually moved
across the continent. By the time Europeans arrived, there were about 500
different tribal groups living in Australia.
Ways of Life
Traditionally, Aboriginals lived by hunting
and gathering. They were nomadic, roaming over large stretches of territory,
setting up temporary camps near watering places, and moving on when food
supplies were exhausted. They traded with other tribes, exchanging goods such
as spears.
Hunting and Gathering
Aboriginals lived by hunting animals such
as kangaroos and supplemented their diet with wild plants, nuts and berries.
The hunters used spears with stone blades and wooden boomerangs, a type of
missile that flies back to the thrower. Some tribes developed an elaborate sign
language, so that they could send silent messages to each other when they were
stalking game.
Corroborees
Aboriginal people have handed down stories,
songs and traditions from generation to generation. This culture is kept alive
at corroborees, ceremonial dances where tribes gather together to retell the
tales of Australia’s past through songs, music and dance.
Dreamtime
The Aboriginals believe that Dreamtime is a
periods when Ancestral Beings shaped the land, creating al species and human
beings. These beings are thought to live on eternally in spirit form. Human
beings are believed to be a part of nature, closely associated with all other
living things. Images of spirits of Dreamtime, such as Lightning Man, cover
sacred cliffs and caves in tribal areas.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Aboriginals believe that the Ancestral
Beings created the Australian landscape and established customs and traditions
still followed today. They have left evidence of their presence in the many
sacred places, such as Uluru in central Australia. This is revered as a sacred
place by the local Aranda people. Once called Ayers Rock by the Australian
government, the rock regained its Aboriginal name in 1988.
Aboriginals Today
European colonist arrived in Australia in
1788 and displaced Aboriginal tribes from their territory. Today, there are
about 250,000 Aboriginals in Australia, many of whom live in urban areas.
Although there is still discrimination, Aboriginals are beginning t benefit
from government aid and to assert their civil rights.
Land Rights
When the Europeans arrived in Australia
they claimed that the land was Terra Nullius, that it belonged to no one, and
that they were entitled to occupy it. More recently the Aboriginals have
campaigned to regain their lost territory and sacred sites. In 1993, the
Australian government reserved its Terra Nullius policy.
Education
During early contact with the Europeans,
Aboriginal languages were lost or fell into disuse. In 1972, the government
established a bilingual education programme. Many children are now taught in
their tribal languages before learning English. Books, radio and television
broadcast are all available in many Aboriginal languages.
