Spirituality

Different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mobs have diverse spiritual beliefs and practices, reflecting the rich cultural diversity across Australia. While many of these spiritual traditions share similarities, such as a deep connection to the land and a reverence for ancestors, they are not all the same. Each mob has its own unique customs, stories, and ceremonial practices that are specific to their cultural heritage and geographic region. These differences are a testament to the varied and intricate tapestry of Aboriginal spirituality, highlighting the importance of respecting and understanding the distinct beliefs of each community.

The connection to country for the Kaurna people speaks profoundly to a deep connection to place. For thousands of years, each family group has lived within their own family territory across Kaurna country, fostering a profound bond with their specific land. This connection is not just physical but also spiritual, as the ancestors of these family groups return to and exist alongside them on their traditional lands. This enduring relationship between the Kaurna people and country underscores the importance of land as part of cultural identity.

Kaurna people use dance, song, art, and storytelling to maintain and strengthen their spiritual connection to country and their ancestors.

As a knowledge based culture, these cultural expressions are vital in preserving and passing down knowledge, traditions, and spiritual beliefs through generations.

Warning messages at the start of TV shows and radio programs exist to inform viewers about images and voices of deceased persons that may be present in the content.

Different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mobs have various protocols for mourning the deceased. These practices can vary in duration, typically lasting between six to twelve months, but it is crucial to liaise with the community for specific guidelines.

These warnings ensure that viewers are prepared and can make informed choices about their media consumption. In media, it is common practice to change the name of the deceased and suppress their images due to cultural beliefs.

More information: https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/indigenous-cultural-protocols-what-the-media-needs-to-do-when-depicting-deceased-persons/97xq2otnt

Smoking Ceremonies are used for burial, celebration, healing and cleansing.

They are also a gesture of goodwill and bringing people together. Performing smoking for another is a gift and a blessing.

Smoking and Cleansing Ceremonies are conducted by setting light on natural flora, where the initial flame is extinguished, leaving a smouldering and smoking stem, creating smoke that contains cleansing properties. This smoke is used to mask ones scent and to ward off bad spirits.

If you’re looking to learn more or organise a smoking ceremony on Kaurna country, you can find more information here: https://kumakaaru.com.au/our-services/smoke-and-cleansing/

It is a misconception to believe that Welcome to Country ceremonies are a modern invention. While the first contemporary ceremony, performed by Ernie Dingo and Richard Walley in the 1970s for the Perth International Arts Festival, is often cited by opponents to discredit the practice, these ceremonies are deeply rooted in pre-colonial traditions. Dingo and Walley created the modern version based on existing ceremonies to provide a formal way to acknowledge and respect the Indigenous owners of the land. Although the form and context of these ceremonies have evolved, their origins lie in ancient rituals that included welcoming visitors, sharing resources, and ensuring safe passage across different territories. Ignoring the historical roots of Welcome to Country ceremonies is disingenuous and disregards their cultural significance and continuity.

Further Reading: https://www.aap.com.au/factcheck/modern-ceremonies-claim-misleads-on-indigenous-history/

Acknowledgements of Country can be conducted by anyone, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, as a sign of respect and recognition of the traditional custodians of the land. It is a way to show awareness of and respect for the traditional owners of the land, and their ongoing connection to country.

Welcome to Country ceremonies are conducted only by Traditional Owners. This formal ceremony is an important cultural protocol that allows the Traditional Owners to give their blessing for the event or meeting to take place on their land. It signifies to the ancestors and ancient spirits that the people have gathered as friends of the country and ensures their protection while they are present.

If you’re looking to acknowledge country at an event, it's always a good idea to take a moment to learn about the area you’re acknowledging so that the acknowledgement can be authentic.

A Kaurna Welcome to Country is a speech delivered in the Kaurna language by a Traditional custodian.

Conducting a Welcome to Country acknowledges the Kaurna people as traditional owners and is an evolved ceremony that traces it's roots back thousands of years.

If you’re interested in learning more about what a welcome to country entails, or are looking to organise a welcome to country, the first step is to reach out and discuss the event.

More information can be found here: https://kumakaaru.com.au/our-services/welcomes/

Dreamtime and Dreaming stories are not universal across all Aboriginal mobs, although there are similarities between groups. Each mob has its own unique set of stories that reflect their distinct cultural heritage, environment, and beliefs. These stories are passed down through generations and serve as a means of teaching important lessons about the land, creation, law and responsibilities.

While some themes and characters may be common across different groups, the specific details, interpretations, and significance of the stories can vary widely.

Engaging with the Kaurna community is a meaningful way to foster understanding and respect. To continue these conversations, you can get in contact with Jack Buckskin through his cultural education organisation, Kuma Kaaru, or by submitting further questions to the Knowledge Project to help inform our future content.

Kuma Kaaru offers various opportunities for engagement, including organizing Welcome to Country ceremonies, providing cultural awareness training, and arranging in-person appearances and presentations. By collaborating with Kaurna culture organisations, you can help bring people together, fostering healing and moving forward collectively towards a more inclusive and respectful future.

Kuma Kaaru: https://kumakaaru.com.au/