M3 - Learner Manual

10. Sacredness of Land and Daily Life

“For Aboriginal peoples, country is much more than a place. Rock, tree, river, hill, animal, human – all were formed of the same substance by the Ancestors who continue to live in land, water, sky. Country is filled with relations speaking language and following Law. No matter whether the shape of that relation is human, rock, crow, wattle. Country is loved, needed, and cared for, and country loves, needs, and cares for her peoples in turn. Country is family, culture, and identity. Country is self.” (Kwaymullina, 2005)

Connection to land is the core to identity and spirituality, these three things are intertwined. Maintaining land where there are Dreaming sites, bora rings, water holes, burial grounds, etc. is vital to the maintenance of culture.

Ceremonial activities assist Indigenous people in staying connected and keeping the spirit of the land alive through the process of being present and practicing culture.

Today access to traditional lands can be gained when native title is recognised but gaining this title is a lengthy, costly and complex process. The complexities of native title legislation mean that many applications are not successful.