PEOPLE OF THE WET TROPICS
Rainforest Aborigines
The two most prominent Aboriginal tribes of the Atherton tablelands of North Queensland are the Yidinji and Danbulla Yidinji groups. These two tribes have been able to survive thousands of years in the Wet Tropics by using the resources of the land to live their life. However the arrival of white settlers to the area meant that the indigenous were stripped of their culture and way of life, through means such as the taking of traditional lands and the interference of ancient rituals. This has ultimately led to the slow disintegration of Aboriginal history. However in the past 20 years the government has tried to become part of the solution to the problem and has worked with many indigenous to restore their way of life and culture to them, one step at a time.
CultureThe diversity of Aboriginal art is very high and can come in many forms, from paintings, sculptures and weaving pieces. Art is used in many Wet Tropic indigenous communities as a way of creating an understanding of the ancient Aboriginal culture in the area. Art shows featuring pieces of Aboriginal artwork from the area such as the CIAF is one of the numerous ways in which this is done. Daniel Beeron, a local to the area, is one of the artists at CIAF show where he shows his beautiful, unique skilled art, weaving. Daniel learnt this ancient skill from his family, as it was passed down from generation to generation. Janbal Gallery is also another place where Aboriginal art is showed this gallery holds many famous art pieces as well as pieces from locals.
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Native indigenous songs are another way of education about indigenous history and culture. These songs explain past and present beliefs and often entail a religious value. The songs express the true feelings of many of the indigenous. Christine Anu is a well known song artist in in Northern Queensland, born in Cairns she went on to win numerous ARIA awards. Her songs relate not only to those of an indigenous background but also to all Australians. Her success in the music industry has encouraged many more to follow their dreams.
The understanding of indigenous culture is often a struggle for many Aborigines, this is made easier with the aids of story telling, song, dance and painting. These aids of visual and vocal education are of great importance for indigenous communities as it is often the only way to pass on information through generations in these modern times. Information that is passed down includes, religious beliefs, information regarding the environment and ancestry. Education is vital for the survival of a culture, preserving the heritage.
The Elder in Aboriginal communities play a great part as part of the community. It is up to the Elder to make the decisions regarding what is best for the community. An Elder is usually a male, however with the males out hunting and gathering for extended periods of time, a female is often left in charge of the community. The Elder of the community is responsible for the group and anything that happens to it. An Elder is most commonly the strongest in the community, both physically and mentally. One exception to this is, that sometimes the role of the Elder is past down the through the generations.
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