M1 - Learner Manual

1.15. Traditional Family Obligations

Familial responsibilities and relationships appear to be the hallmark of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and society. Family obligation is certainly central to identity. It guides what and how things are done and with whom they are done. Family obligation also identifies one’s country.

These families are not necessarily treated as separate units, so that community and family needs are often the same when discussing ‘whole of community’ identity and development.

The identity of the Indigenous person is influenced by their position in the community – that is which family, tribal or clan group they come from. Personal identity is intrinsic to the family identity. Family identity and make-up is informed by links to country. Aboriginal people often talk about which tribal group / country they come from.

Invariably in the Indigenous community, people will associate other Indigenous people with country and family groups in their respective regions. Whilst many Aboriginal people live cosmopolitan and often urban lives, their connection to family and country may not be diminished. This is intensified when they seek to do professional work, or excel in sports, literature, education, the arts, community work, science, law, etc. In this regard their identity and relationship to country and communities is central to the story of who they are as Aboriginal people.