Aboriginal Spirituality

Home Page
How to listen when Country speaks | Back To Nature ABC TV
22 October 2024
Richard Swain, or Swainy, is a Wiradjuri man and river guide. He talks to Aaron and Holly about . I recon everywhere is sacred. It is hard to go somewhere that is not special in Australia. The relationship between people and country has been so long and so harmonious. That is why the country still speaks. Whenever you are walking through the bush and you are really relaxed. Birds are chirping. You might get off track. You don’t feel as good and the bush goes quiet. That is country speaking to you, When you get back on track things feel good again. That is your genealogical memory. You are from the Earth. She sings to you when you hear those songs.
 
Multiple Choice Practise - Studies of Religion - Post 1945 Andrew Dumas
12 July 2024
Interactive practise multiple choice questions for the Post 1945 topic for Studies of Religion HSC Syllabus.
 
Aboriginal Reconciliation - for our lives, - our past, - and for - Aboriginal people Marist Laity Australia
01 June 2024
Has anyone ever hurt you in your life? Have you been treated badly? Have the wrongs of the past affected who you are? When we spend time reflecting on our lives, we can see that hurts, ill-treatment, and wrongs have been part of our story. When we ponder these questions, we find no answers. Our ancestors remain silent. Yet, their effects impact us today. Psychologists recognize that trauma can be passed down from one generation to the next, revealing layers upon layers of hurts, ill-treatment, and wrongs.
 
Ask us anything - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people University of Sydney
22 April 2024
The YouTube video 'Ask Us Anything - Aboriginal People and Torres Strait People' features a series of questions and answers that highlight the experiences, cultural significance, and challenges faced by Indigenous Australians. Participants address casual racism encountered in daily life, such as stereotypes and misconceptions about their heritage. The video also explores the importance of dancing in Indigenous ceremonies as a way to tell stories and pass on history, emphasizing that there is no such thing as a 'bad dancer' in these contexts.
 
The Central Australian Aboriginal Womens Choir ABC News
29 January 2024
The YouTube clip about the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir showcases the choir, which comprises members from six different communities. The women sing in Western Aranda, Pinjara (a living language of Central Australia), and English. Singing is portrayed as a vital aspect of preserving their language and culture. Some of the songs are newly written by choir members, while others date back to the 1920s, written by their ancestors. The choir members express a deep connection with their culture and heritage through their music, particularly enjoying sharing and celebrating their culture with others. The clip highlights the significance of their music in keeping the language alive and the personal impact it has on the choir members.
 
Hashtag - thankyouforbeing Andrew Dumas
15 October 2023
Please join and post the handtag - Thankyouforbeing . To my Aboriginal brothers and sisters. I am sorry. I would like to recognise you as the first people of Australia. I would like to listen to your Aboriginal Voice. Let us all move forward in reconciliation. #Thankyouforbeing
 
Bishop Charles Gauci supports Aboriginal Voice Bishop Charles Gauci
14 October 2023
For some time now, I have been convinced that I will cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming Referendum on the Voice.
 
FAQ 101 - Why is the Aboriginal Voice so important Marist Laity Australia
14 October 2023
The video explores the importance of recognizing and amplifying the Aboriginal voice in Australia, beginning with the historical misconception of the land being empty when British colonial settlers arrived in 1788. This led to generations of neglect despite the Aboriginal people's 60,000-year-old civilization. The video discusses the exclusion of the Aboriginal voice in the Australian Constitution and policies of cultural assimilation in the early 1900s. It highlights the 1967 amendment recognizing Indigenous peoples and ongoing support from religious groups. The establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy symbolizes Indigenous advocacy, and the video mentions advisory bodies like NACC and ATSIC. It concludes by emphasizing the need for local Aboriginal voice committees to address disparities, marking a monumental step in recognizing and addressing the needs of Australia's Indigenous population.
 
Kerry O’Brien - the Aboriginal Voice - A Conversation - Part 1 of 2 Kerry Obrien
14 October 2023
On Sunday September 3, 2023, the Marist Justice Peace and Integral Ecology Committee (JPIC) hosted the former ABC Journalist and presenter Kerry O’Brien. The gathering started with an acknowledgement of Country by sister Margaret Tisch, followed by a prayer led by Father Kevin Bates.Lay Marist Cathy Larkin led a discussion with Kerry O’Brien using Questions and Answers.
 
A voice for the voiceless - a modern day parable Marist Laity Australia
14 October 2023
'A voice for the voiceless a modern day parable' reflects on a moment of courage and empathy amidst a sea of indifference during their commute. On crutches due to knee surgery, the author occupied a disabled seat on the train when a heavily pregnant woman boarded. As fellow passengers remained engrossed in their screens, seemingly oblivious, the author felt compelled to act. Overcoming their own fear and hesitation, they raised their voice, requesting a seat for the pregnant woman. While most passengers ignored the plea, one man, engrossed in reading his Bible, responded with kindness, offering his seat. This incident highlights the often-overlooked reality that many vulnerable individuals, especially the voiceless, suffer in silence, and it calls upon us to be observant and care for those without a voice.
 
Stan Grant - My lament for my country Stan Grant
12 October 2023
In Wiradjuri country, central New South Wales, a land scarred by colonization and warfare, the author reflects on the profound spiritual resonance between the suffering of First Nations people and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Amidst this landscape, he encounters a man seeking solace from his own pain in a church, illustrating the deep lament pervasive among Indigenous communities. These sentiments, inextricably linked to the historical injustices faced by his ancestors, find parallels in the church's teachings, challenging the notion that Christianity is solely an instrument of colonization. For the author, Easter symbolizes a period of darkness rather than resurrection, akin to the feelings of hopelessness experienced by his community. He emphasizes the distinction between Christendom and Christianity and highlights how First Nations people have always known God, with their own term 'Baiame.' Through personal anecdotes and literary references, the narrative powerfully articulates the profound sorrow, hopelessness, and lament that defines the Indigenous experience, urging for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of their history and pain.
 
Gospel - Why Vote NO to the Voice? Father Jim McKeon
24 September 2023
In Father Jim McKeon's reflection on 'Why vote no to the Aboriginal Voice,' he discusses several reasons people might consider voting against the proposed Voice to Parliament in an upcoming referendum. He mentions that past consulted bodies, like NATSIC, have existed before, implying that this initiative may not be entirely novel. Additionally, he raises the valid concern that no institution, including The Voice, can fully represent every indigenous person, and suggests that certain outcomes, such as closing the gap in health and education, might be more effectively achieved at the state level.
 
Unpacking the Australian Constitution ABC
20 September 2023
The ABC episode titled Unpacking the Australian Constitution delves into the history of the Australian Constitution, the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and personal perspectives on what it means to be Australian.
 
Is the nation ready for deep listening? Miriam Rose
20 September 2023
Is the nation ready for deep listening? Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM in conversation with Deakin University's Professor Mark Rose, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Innovation. A renowned Aboriginal artist and educator, Miriam Rose is dedicated to creating bright and fulfilling futures for Aboriginal children and youth. She was the first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher in the Northern Territory and continues to advocate that education is a matter for the whole community and must be adapted to suit contemporary Aboriginal needs.
 
A Conversation with - Archbishop Mark - and Bishop Tim - About the Proposed - Voice to Parliament Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Bishop Tim Norton SVD
19 September 2023
Bishop Archbishop Mark and Bishop Tim discuss the importance of the referendum on 'The Voice' and the broader issue of reconciliation in Australia. Bishop Archbishop Mark emphasizes that the referendum is not just about the indigenous population but concerns all Australians. He believes that reconciliation is a critical issue that has been a longstanding problem since the beginning of European settlement in Australia. He sees the referendum as an opportunity to unlock the potential of both indigenous people and the nation as a whole through fundamental healing and reconciliation.
 
Can a Voice to Parliament improve Indigenous lives ABC News
10 September 2023
In a discussion led by Carly Williams, the ABC's National Indigenous Correspondent, and joined by Fran Kelly, they explore the potential impact of the proposed Aboriginal Voice to Parliament on addressing issues related to youth crime, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in regional towns across Australia.
 
Kerry O’Brien - the Aboriginal Voice - responds to the NO Campaign - part 2 of 2 Kerry Obrien
04 September 2023
On Sunday, September 3, 2023, the Marist Justice Peace and Integral Ecology Committee (JPIC) hosted the former ABC Journalist and presenter Kerry O’Brien. Kerry O’Brien responds to several concerns and questions for the “No campaign” case against the Aboriginal Voice.
 
Web site - indigenousvoice.church National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council.
03 September 2023
This web site provides a series of resources for Catholics to discern there way forward with the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. It includes messages from key leaders, catholic social justice teachings, resources for teaching and FAQ questions and answers. Please have a look at these resources.
 
Song - If now now Paul Kelly
01 September 2023
Paul Kelly's song 'If Not Now' carries a message of urgency and a call to action regarding the issue of the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. In this song, Kelly conveys a sense of incompleteness, a feeling that something crucial is missing, both in the Australian society and in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The lyrics suggest that there's a historical burden, represented as a 'splinter in the mind' and a 'whisper in the heart.' This burden is the unfinished business of addressing historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians, including dispossession, discrimination, and marginalization.
 
The Voice to Parliament Handbook - All the detail you need Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'brien
01 September 2023
In this Square faculty event, Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and journalist Kerry O'Brien discuss the 'Voice to Parliament' handbook they co-authored. The handbook aims to provide information about the Voice to Parliament concept and upcoming referendum in Australia. The event acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and emphasizes the importance of this topic. Thomas Mayo explains that the handbook was created to inform and empower people, particularly those supporting the 'Yes' vote in the referendum, by providing facts and personal insights. They discuss the significance of the Voice to Parliament in addressing Indigenous representation and the need for a consistent Indigenous voice in government decision-making.
 
Voices on the Voice - Marcia Langton Marcia Langton
01 September 2023
The keynote speaker, Professor Marcia Langton AO, is introduced as a notable figure in Indigenous rights advocacy and discusses the importance of constitutional recognition and the proposed Voice to Parliament, emphasizing practical implications beyond symbolism. The presentation also delves into Australia's history of constitutional reform and the impact of apologies, shedding light on ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities and the need for constitutional reform.
 
Story - Bowraville Indigenous elders - reflect on the past and share thoughts - on the Voice ABC News
25 August 2023
In a segment featured on the 7.30 TV program, Indigenous elders from Bowraville candidly reflect on their past experiences and share their perspectives on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The discussion provides insights into their personal histories, memories of historical events, and their opinions on the current push for Indigenous rights. The elders express a range of emotions and thoughts, highlighting the impact of past referendums and experiences of exclusion. Annie B balangari discusses the 1967 referendum on Indigenous rights, emphasizing the importance of being counted in the census. She remembers the negative impact of the question on Indigenous people and the subsequent widespread support for the 'yes' vote, but also acknowledges pockets of racial intolerance that surfaced.The elders delve into their memories of Bowraville, a town with a history of exclusion of Indigenous people from hospitals and schools. They reveal the pain associated with such experiences and discuss the ongoing challenges faced by their community.
 
Rachel Perkins discusses - the path to Indigenous recognition - in the constitution Rachel Perkins
18 August 2023
Rachel Perkins, an Australian filmmaker, director, and activist, has been involved in advocating for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. While I don't have specific details on her discussions about the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament, truth-telling, agreement-making, and constitutional recognition, I can provide you with a general overview of the topics she may address based on her previous statements and activism.
 
Prayer for the Voice to Parliament Marist Laity Australia
14 August 2023
This prayer seeks guidance and strength to embrace the Aboriginal voice in the journey of our nation. It calls for recognizing the Aboriginal story and Spirituality as integral to the wider Australian story, acknowledging their contributions and deep connection to the land. The prayer asks for the creation of spaces for local communities to have an Aboriginal voice committee, where their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes. It emphasizes the importance of listening to Aboriginal people, understanding their struggles, and standing alongside them with empathy and compassion. The prayer advocates for giving Aboriginal people self-determination, empowering them to make choices that reflect their unique needs and aspirations. It highlights the significance of honoring Aboriginal culture and spirituality, appreciating the interconnectedness of all life and fostering respect for all cultures.
 
Debate on the Voice to Parliament Centre for Independent Studies
09 August 2023
This year Australia will hold a referendum on whether to change the constitution and ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ views are better represented in Parliament. Is the Voice about giving Indigenous Australians a right to express their views on policy through representatives elected by their communities? Or would the Voice provide cover for an activist government to legislate radical policy with no genuine democratic consent?On the affirmative side were Australia’s first Indigenous Senior Counsel, Anthony McAvoy, and constitutional lawyer Shireen Morris. Against the proposition were Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and head of CIS Indigenous Forum Nyunggai Warren Mundine.Referendum question: The question to be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum will be: “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”
 
Garma Festival and the Aboriginal Voice ABC News
07 August 2023
In this exclusive interview at the Garma Festival, David Speers engages with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, discussing the pressing topic of constitutional change for an Indigenous voice in Parliament. The Prime Minister reiterates his commitment to the referendum, highlighting the practical benefits the voice will bring to Indigenous Australians, addressing education, health, and housing disparities. Despite recent poll results, the Prime Minister remains optimistic about the generosity of the Australian people and their willingness to embrace change for a more inclusive future. He dismisses concerns about alternative forms of recognition, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the Indigenous community's request for substantive constitutional recognition. The discussion also touches on the possibility of a treaty and the importance of respectful conversations in advancing reconciliation. With the referendum expected in mid-October, the Prime Minister aims to unite the nation, emphasizing that a successful vote will be a significant step towards closing the gaps and advancing reconciliation.
 
Song - My Island Home - Warumpi Band Warumpi Band
06 August 2023
'My Island Home' is a deeply meaningful and evocative song that touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the longing for a sense of place and connection to one's cultural roots. Originally written by Neil Murray, the song was made famous by Christine Anu's powerful rendition, which resonated with many Australians. The song's lyrics tell the story of an Indigenous person who has been living in the city for six years. Despite being away from their ancestral homeland, the person constantly dreams of their island home and the sea, symbolizing a profound yearning for a return to their cultural heritage and the land of their ancestors.
 
Movie - No Way To Forget - 1996 Richard Frankland
06 August 2023
The documentary 'No Way to Forget' delves into the heart-wrenching and devastating impact of the Stolen Generations on Indigenous communities in Australia. This dark chapter in the nation's history saw thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families and communities by government authorities and placed into institutions or foster care with non-Indigenous families. The film opens with powerful and poignant personal testimonies, providing a glimpse into the traumatic experiences endured by those who were forcibly taken from their families at a young age.
 
Everything you need to know about the Aboriginal Voice - Yes or No ABC News
05 August 2023
The Australian Voice is a proposed alteration to the Australian Constitution aims to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice. This initiative comes as a response to historical injustices and a desire to empower Indigenous communities with greater influence over decisions that directly impact their lives and well-being. The concept of an Indigenous voice is rooted in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was born out of the 2017 Uluru National Constitutional Convention. During this gathering, Indigenous leaders across the country came together to address the longstanding issues faced by their communities and to chart a path towards greater self-determination and reconciliation.
 
An Open Letter about the Aboriginal Voice - from former High Court Judges Former High and Supreme Court Judges - Audio by Andrew Dumas
04 August 2023
An eminent group of retired judges, who form the National Integrity Committee auspiced by the Australia Institute, have penned an open letter to the people of Australia in support of a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum on the Voice.The moving letter, to be published in newspapers across Australia, emphasizes how the Voice will deliver on the call made in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and enrich our democracy.As a letter which we think should be read by all Australians, we send you the following. An Open Letter to the Australian PublicThe Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance. July 31 2023. From the Australia Institute. www.australiainstitute.org.au
 
January 26 an Aboriginal Elder’s Reflection boriginal Elder Avon Worlden
25 July 2023
In this passionate and heartfelt speech, Aboriginal Elder Avon Worlden identifies themselves as a representative and elected Deputy Chairperson of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, acting as the cultural authority for their people. They acknowledge the absence of proven traditional owners at Ground Zero, but assert their knowledge of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act for the land and waterways they occupy.
 
Fact Check about the Aboriginal Voice ABC News
21 July 2023
In the run-up to the referendum on an indigenous voice, fact-checkers from RMIT Fact Lab and AAP Fact Check have been diligently examining claims made online. Notably, they have observed that the majority of false claims appear to be originating from the 'no' supporters. One of the primary subjects under scrutiny is the campaign group Advance Australia, known for its conservative views and significant investment in Facebook ads related to the voice issue. RMIT flagged several of Advance Australia's ads, finding them misleading and lacking context. For instance, one ad claimed that the voice would grant indigenous people special rights, which was deemed false. Another misleading claim was made by Advance Australia, arguing that race is not mentioned in the Australian Constitution, despite the presence of references related to race in sections 25 and 51(xxvi).
 
Song - Paul Kelly - From Little Things Big Things Grow Paul Kelly
10 July 2023
This song tells the story in August 1966, 200 Gurindji stockmen, domestic workers and their families initiated strike action at Wave Hill station in the Northern Territory.Negotiations with the station owners, the international food company Vestey Brothers, broke down, leading to a seven-year dispute.
 
Miriam-Rose on the importance of deep listening Miriam Rose
10 July 2023
In this presentation, Aboriginal Elder Miriam Rose welcomes the audience to the Daily River region, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land. She shares her personal connection to the land and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to live there. Miriam Rose discusses her upbringing, including being raised by her uncle, who was a police tracker, and her journey into education. She emphasizes the importance of art and culture in education and the role of storytelling in Aboriginal traditions. Miriam Rose also talks about the Miriam Rose Foundation, which she established to support young people in the community. She shares the challenges faced by the community, including the loss of young lives to suicide, and highlights the significance of walking together and understanding each other's cultures. Miriam Rose discusses her faith, the role of spirituality in her life, and the concept of Didi (deep listening) in Aboriginal spirituality. She expresses the need for greater understanding and dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from each other. Miriam Rose concludes by discussing her role as an elder and the ongoing responsibility to support and guide the community.
 
An Explanation of the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament - Arrilla Indigenous Consulting Shelley Reys Djirribul woman
09 July 2023
This YouClip video by 'Arrilla Indigenous Consulting' provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of the Voice to Parliament in Australia. The Voice is a proposed group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who aim to have input into how government programs work and make policies with Indigenous peoples rather than for them. Enshrining the Voice into the Constitution is seen as a practical action that would better protect its use and responsibilities to the government, while also recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia's Constitution.
 
Everything you need to know - about the - Indigenous Voice Referendum ABC News
03 July 2023
The video explains the Indigenous Voice Referendum. Why do people want a voice in the first place? Take the white Australia policy or the Stolen Generation. These were government policies that may the lives of indigenous people much harder. Combine that with issues caused by colonisation and a lot of indigenous people are worse off than the broader population in terms of health, wealth and education. Closing the gap has been the aim of a lot of different governments. But, nothing has made a huge difference so far. As of last year, the gap is mostly getting wider. Of all the areas being measured, just a few are on track, some are going backward. Indigenous people are still living much shorter lives. That is where the Voice comes in. Getting Indigenous people to have a say to what happens to them. Sometimes called self-determination. Is seen as one of the best ways to close the gap.
 
Documentary - Australias Dark Secret ENDEVR
03 July 2023
The documentary 'Australia's Dark Secret: The Inhumane Treatment of Indigenous Peoples' sheds light on the dire living conditions and systemic neglect faced by Indigenous communities in Australia. The film takes viewers on a journey into remote areas like Utopia, where Aboriginal people are denied basic facilities and services that others take for granted. It exposes overcrowded housing, lack of sanitation, limited access to clean water, and the absence of healthcare and education resources. The documentary challenges the perception of Australia as a wealthy and developed country by revealing the stark disparities and ongoing struggles faced by the country's first inhabitants
 
Kerry O’Brien voice on the Aboriginal Voice Kerry Obrien
18 June 2023
Journalist Kerry O'Brien joins Tom Ravlik to discuss the release of a new book called 'The Voice to Parliament Handbook' written by Thomas Mayer. The book aims to provide a clear understanding of the Voice to Parliament referendum in Australia, which will take place later in the year. O'Brien explains that the handbook is a response to the confusion and misinformation surrounding the referendum. As a journalist with extensive experience covering indigenous issues, O'Brien believes that the handbook will help clarify the simple proposition of the voice and shed light on the history and background of previous attempts to establish an indigenous voice in the government and policymaking process. While O'Brien and Mayer openly support the Yes campaign, they are committed to providing factual information and fostering a better understanding of the issue.
 
Australian Indigenous leader - in the Vatican for week-long visit Joseph Tullock
04 June 2023
Doctor Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann, a highly respected Australian Aboriginal leader, is currently visiting the Vatican for a week-long visit. During her stay, she will engage in meaningful discussions with Pope Francis and other senior Vatican figures, focusing on spirituality, ecology, and the reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Australians. As an artist, she will also unveil a new artwork at the Vatican Museums, drawing on both Indigenous and Christian traditions. Her painting, titled 'We Found God in Nature,' portrays the dry season in her region of Australia, emphasizing the connection between nature and her Catholic faith. Additionally, she will attend a Mass commemorating fifty years of Indigenous liturgies and participate in discussions with various Vatican officials, including Bishop Paul Tighe and representatives from Caritas Internationalis and the Union of International Superiors General, where she will present her perspective on integral ecology from an Indigenous standpoint.
 
Communities gather to mark National Sorry Day - May 26 ABC
26 May 2023
May 26 marks National Sorry Day. This is the story of Noel, an Aboriginal individual who discovered his Aboriginal heritage in 2006. He believes it is important for people to share their stories, hoping that it will encourage others to do the same. Noel is part of the Willem Will Reign community on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, a unique group of Indigenous people from across Australia who come together to learn, connect with their culture, and feel a sense of community. They have established a scar tree as a symbol of healing and reconciliation, providing a place for remembering and contemplation on Sorry Day. The community hopes that this tree will continue to grow and serve as an eternal symbol for their journey towards a brighter future.
 
Song - Took The Children Away Archie Roach
21 May 2023
This story's right, this story's true. I would not tell lies to you. Like the promises they did not keep. And how they fenced us in like sheep.Said to us come take our hand. Sent us off to mission land.Taught us to read, to write and pray. Then they took the children away,Took the children away,The children away.Snatched from their mother's breastSaid this is for the bestTook them away.
 
Frank Brennan - A Legal lite, Watertight - Indigenous Voice to Parliament Father Frank Brennan sj
21 May 2023
In 'An Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Considering a Constitutional Bridge,' Frank Brennan offers an urgent and multifarious contribution to the national debate on Indigenous constitutional recognition in Australia. As a white Jesuit with a long history of advocating for Indigenous Australians, Brennan presents his extensive involvement and expertise on the subject. He discusses his personal experiences and disagreements with prominent figures, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the historical significance and special place of First Nations Peoples in Australian society. Brennan highlights the need for a high-quality, bipartisan process in designing the Indigenous Voice and achieving success in the referendum, expressing concerns about deficiencies in the current approach and the potential consequences of a flawed process. Despite the challenges and divisiveness, Brennan remains committed to the cause and hopes for a more civil and open approach to shaping Australia's future.
 
Stolen Generations - One Family‘s Story ABC
21 May 2023
Summarizes the personal accounts of individuals who were forcibly separated from their families and taken away from their communities, reflecting on the lasting impact of these experiences. The video expresses their struggle to understand and cope with the traumatic events of their childhood, as they were removed from their cultural and spiritual roots. They recall the confusion, fear, and heartbreak they felt as they were taken away and placed in unfamiliar environments. These Aboriginal people recount attempts to stay connected with their families through letters and their longing to return home. The profound loss and longing for their loved ones are evident as they grapple with their identities and a sense of belonging.
 
Prayer for the Aboriginal Voice Andrew Dumas
21 May 2023
Pray this Prayer in your community, family and school. We join our voices together in support of an Aboriginal Voice through song, story, reflection, discussion and stillness.
 
How did WW1 change life for Indigenous Australian soldiers? Future Learn
25 April 2023
During World War 1 many Aboriginal Australians signed up to serve in the Australian army. They were treated equally and with a sense of mateship along with other soldiers. This gave Australia a sense one of the first forms of Aboriginal Reconciliation.
 
The Land Owns Us Bob Randall
25 February 2023
Bob Randall, an Aboriginal Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in Australia, explains how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea but a way of living. This way includes all beings as part of a vast family and calls us to be responsible for this family
 
Song - I Am Australian in Yawuru Aboriginal language ABC Australia
23 January 2023
Watch a very special performance of ‘I Am Australian’ by the students of Broome Primary School. The ABC would like to thank the Mabu Yawuru ngan-ga language team and Yawuru Traditional Owners of Broome for providing the translation of the song ‘I Am Australian’ and for assisting us in the making of this video. To find out more and share your ABC stories visit
 
Please share - I support the Aboriginal Voice in our Parliament ABC
23 January 2023
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched the proposal for the indigenous voice to parliament. The focus is of hope and humility. Years of broken promises, failures, and false starts demand nothing less. The prime minister outlines some of the detail for this reform. The draft question is Do you support an alteration to the constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?
 
Aboriginal Spirituality Fr Paul Sullivan sm
16 January 2023
Father Paul Sullivan sm, Director of Marist Mission Centre, has worked for many years with the Indigenous People of Australia.  He recently gave some input to our Marist Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue.
 
Mentoring Indigenous Inmates - Uncle Jack Charles Uncle Jack Charles
27 November 2022
I have 22 mug shots lying in the Victorian prison system. I am proud that I am a survivor with those photos. I am a member of the Stolen Generation. Survivor. Spend many of my time in jail. Jail was a useful tool for me. It was some kind of respite from my activities of being on the streets. From being homeless. Being addicted to Heroin. Thank God I was sleeping in a bed and had something to do in jail. I taught ceramica in prison. I started a pottery shop. I called it psycho ceramica because you had to be a crack pot to be there in the first place....
 
Noel Pearson - Australia does not make sense without recognition Noel Pearson
05 November 2022
The assumption of the doctrine of terra nullius – that Australia was not owned and was open to British settlement without consideration of the native owners – together with the racism that replaced the Noble Savage of Cook’s Enlightenment with an increasingly vicious view of the natives aimed at both justifying and enabling frontier violence and dispossession mutating into the pseudo-scientific racism of the Darwinian nineteenth century and early twentieth – combined to form the terrible ideology of the denial of recognition. The Australian colonial project needed this denial and was underpinned by its vehemence until well after the frontiers fell silent.
 
What is in the Uluru Statement of the Heart? Father Frank Brennan SJ
27 October 2022
Most Australians say “yes. We fully support the Uluru statement from the heart”. But do you actually know what is in it? Do you actually know where those words come from?
 
The Australian Wars Rachel Perkins
23 October 2022
Rachel Perkins is one of this country's great storytellers, translating distinctively Australian stories for the screen, including a new television series called The Australian Wars.It tracks the bloody conflicts that broke out across the continent after the arrival of the British colonists.Rachel says these are the most important wars in our history: they were fought on Australian soil, between Australians, to determine the ownership and control of the entire country.The stories from this era are stories of violence, of peace, of epic adventures, which make up the foundational narrative of this nation.
 
Uluru Statement from the Heart four years on ABC 7.30
16 October 2022
The Uluru Statement from the Heart was both historic and practical, laying out a way that the relationship between Indigenous Australia and the Commonwealth could be reset. Now the campaign for a Voice to Parliament is moving into a new phase, as chief political correspondent Laura Tingle reports.
 
The wisdom of deep listening Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann
20 June 2022
We meet renowned Aboriginal elder and 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann. Dr Ungunmerr-Baumann advocates for a kind of listening — a quiet awareness — that sums up a whole way of being.
 
Meeting Miriam Rose and Aboriginal Spirituality Maria Baden
11 June 2022
I first met Miriam-Rose through her writing and artwork, back in the early 1990s, when Studies of Religion was first introduced as a new HSC course. For the first time ever, Religion, compulsory in all Catholic schools, could actually count towards the TER (as it was called in those days). We had a long line of students opting to do the one-unit course. And we, as teachers, needed to prepare ourselves to teach it. We were heavily in-serviced and I still have folders of copious notes handed out to us by CEO.
 
What Its Like Being Aboriginal ABC ME
29 March 2022
To be an Aboriginal means that whenever I am feeling alone I know that my ancestors with me. This is hard to explain. Ever Aboriginal person understands this. It means being first nation. Being aboriginal means I like to tell stories...
 
Young Indigenous women learning the art of business ABC News
13 January 2022
A group of young Indigenous women from south west Victoria have been learning the art of business, and are already turning a tidy profit.
 
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy Michael Anderson
30 November 2021
Michael Anderson (Nyoongar Ghurradjong Murri Ghillar) is an Aboriginal rights activist, leader of the Euahlayi tribe of 3,000 people living in north-western New South Wales, and Native Title claimant to their traditional lands on their behalf.From 1969 Mr. Anderson was a leader in the Australian Black Power movement and was appointed by his peers as the first Aboriginal ambassador to white Australia after he and three comrades established what was later called the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the front lawns of Australia's parliament house in 1972.
 
Indigenous leaders worry net zero commitment not enough to halt climate change ABC News
31 October 2021
Many Indigenous leaders concerned with the federal government's determination to forge ahead with new gas fields. And they don't accept assurances from the government and industry that emissions can be dealt with using carbon capture and storage technology.
 
Mental health and healing - Rullas Connection To Country ABC Indigenous
20 October 2021
Tasmanian Aboriginal of the year, Rulla Kelly-Mansell is a proud Tulampanga Pakana man, State League footballer and the director of Make Runs Maxi, a charity that promotes positive mental health.
 
Young Tradtional Owners Healing Country - Pertame ABC Indigenous
09 October 2021
18-year-old Shania Armstrong is an incredible young Pertame Traditional Owner and an apprentice at the Pertame Language School.
 
Standing up for the Mardoowarra - Healing Country ABC TV
23 September 2021
'The river owns me. I don't own the river.' ✊🏽👏🏽Marlikka Perdrisat is a staunch Nyikina Warrwa and Wangkumara Barkindji woman fighting to protect her Country and the Mardoowarra.Join host Lille Madden, Arrente, Bundjalung, Kalkadoon conservation activist, as she yarns to Marlikka about the mighty being, the Mardoowarra River, and understanding the respect that Country deserves.Healing Country shares the grassroots initiatives, actions and change that young people are creating for their communities, culture, and Country.For more ABC Indigenous:
 
Pope - The healing power of the Eucharist Catholic News
01 September 2021
The passage emphasizes the importance of simplicity and service in our lives. It highlights how chasing material possessions and addictive behaviors only leave us empty inside. Instead, we are encouraged to serve others, to take care of those in need, and to be the hands that feed and support our brothers and sisters. The Eucharist is presented as a reminder of this call to closeness and solidarity, to remain close to those who are alone or struggling. By celebrating the memorial of the Eucharist, we heal our memories and place it as a priority in both the Church and our personal lives. Additionally, the passage encourages us to engage in adoration and continue the work of doing good and bringing healing to those who are in great need, which is especially important in challenging times.
 
Aboriginal traders before European settlement ABC Landline
01 August 2021
There are small clues if you know what you're looking for. An Indonesian tree where it shouldn't be, a fragment of foreign pottery on a scenic northern beach. They are markers of an annual Asian occupation of the northernmost tip of Western Australia that remains a mystery. 'This contact was happening prior to colonisation of this part of the northern coast, so it's an Asian industry working with Aboriginal traditional owners.
 
Hollie Johnson Hollie Johnson
12 July 2021
I've always found Indigenous languages important, particularly ours, given that our old people weren't allowed to speak it. Having this opportunity was a great privilege and to be taught by my aunties is very special.
 
Yunbenun Island ABC Australia
11 July 2021
Just over 13 kilometres off the coast of Townsville city, between the Great Barrier Reef and the mainland, lies an island paradise called Magnetic Island.
 
The Wiradjuri Echoes story Duncan Smith
27 June 2021
Wiradjuri man Duncan Smith is an inspiration to many, but most especially his children. Meet the Wiradjuri Echoes and see them perform by the Murrumbidgee River. This film was produced for the Canberra Museum & Gallery.
 
Aboriginal Safe Men, Strong Families CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes
18 June 2021
Affordable housing and over crowding in our community is at an all time high. Especially in Aboriginal communities we have family members living on top of each other. Couch surfing. What that relates to is that our men turn to other issues that effect them. We need to say enough enough is enough. We need to call men to be warriors in our community. There needs to be changes in mens attitudes. Men need to speak up more and return back to their roots.
 





Buffer Digg Facebook Google LinkedIn Print Reddit StumbleUpon Tumblr Twitter VK Yummly



Marist Laity Australia - Home Page