The continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spiritualities, in relation to: separation of the land, separation from kinship groups and the Stolen Generations.

Question 1

What are the 3 continuing effects of dispossession?

Answer 1

1. Separation from Land
2. Separation from Kinship groups
3. The Stolen Generation

Question 2

What was the separation from land?

Answer 2

• When the Government would remove Aboriginal peoples from their land so as to use it for pastoral purposes
• They would then be placed on missions or reserves and be controlled by missionaries or reserve managers – where they would need permission to do anything (visit people, go outside, etc + have their names changed

Question 3

Effect of Separation from Land on spirituality?

Answer 3

• Traditional ways of life were lost - forms of hunting and gathering could not be performed
• Traditional rituals could not be performed and thus, decreasing connection to the past
• Loss of totems meant loss of culture and responsibilities
• Separated meant unable to pass on knowledge
• Loss of specific language due to mix of language groups

Question 4

What was the separation from kinship groups?

Answer 4

• Due to separation from land
• Kinship groups were determined by dreaming with specific roles and responsibilities to the land which defined each individual/group
• Loss of the passing of knowledge, establishing customs, laws, and ways of life from one generation to another
• The separation of tribes led to separation of kinship groups and thus unable to learn about their history or identity

Question 5

What was the Stolen Generation?

Answer 5

• Aboriginal children who were removed from their homes between 1890 and 1971 by the Government and church missionaries
• it was an attempt by the Government to assimilate Aboriginal children into white society with an underlying motive to “breed out” the Aboriginal peoples

Question 6

What is assimilation?

Answer 6

Diluting the Aboriginal peoples culture by forcing the children to forgot their traditional ways and adopt white ways of life and customs
- However, because they are not fully white and lost their Aboriginal customs these children end up in the middle - not truly accepted and understood by either side.

Question 7

What were the government policies that allowed the Stolen Generation?

Answer 7

1. Policy of Protection/ Aboriginal Protection Act
2. Policy of Assimilation

Question 8

What was the policy of protection?

Answer 8

• ‘Aboriginal Protection Act’ in 1909
• Enabled all reserves and stations to be vested to the board
• Who gained increasing control, held the power to move the Aboriginal children out of towns, set up managers, control reserves, and stop the whites from associating with Aboriginal people)

Question 9

What was the ‘Aborigines Protection Amendment Act’?

Answer 9

• It gave the government the power to remove a child at any time and for any reason
• Thus, the amendment was so broad First Nations children were taken from their family and customs on the basis of race alone

Question 10

What is the policy of assimilation?

Answer 10

• All Aboriginal peoples were expected to attain the same manner of living as other Australians
• Must living as members of a white Australian community
• Accept the same customs and beliefs as white Australians

Question 11

What was the impact of the policy of assimilation?

Answer 11

• It did not consider the value or resilience of Aboriginal communities
• It did not allow Aboriginal peoples to maintain their own language and traditions

Question 12

How did the Stolen Generations effect its victims?

Answer 12

• Indigenous children lost their identity, culture, language, spirituality, and self esteem.
• They had no connections to their family –> stolen with a lack of records
• Children experienced neglect and physical abuse, and mental health issues
• Led to the loss of culture and knowledge

Question 13

What was the Bringing Them Home Report?

Answer 13

• It documented and investigated the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impact to the Indigenous communities

Question 14

How many recommendations were in the Bringing Them Home Report?

Answer 14

54 recommendations

Question 15

What did the Bringing Them Home Recommendation include?

Answer 15

• Statement that addressed the impact of the removal policies and the continuing trauma from the event
• An apology to First Nations
• Reparations and improved services for Stolen Generation members

Question 16

Why is the Bringing Them Home Report relevant today?

Answer 16

• As many recommendations are still incomplete
• Reminds Australia of the significance of the Indigenous communities
• Acts as a reminder for what has been done to First Nations and how Australia can improve

Question 17

What did the Bringing Them Home Report aim to do?

Answer 17

• Examine the past laws, practices and policies of forcible separation of First Nations
• Identify what should be done in response, e.g changes to current laws
• Examine he justification for any compensation for those affected
• Examine current laws, policies and practices affecting the placement and care of First Nations children