Indigenous Australians

Australia’s Indigenous people have a long and rich heritage. Ironically, when Captain James Cook arrived on HMB Endeavour in 1770 to map the eastern coast of Australia, declaring the land ‘terra nullius’ (not belonging to anyone), there was an element of truth in the declaration---although not in the sense that Cook meant it.

Aboriginal people believe that they are custodians of the land---responsible for, and belonging to, their country---not possessors of it. Responsibilities and history, including custodian roles, are carried from generation to generation through ‘the Dreaming’. These are oral traditions and stories that go back to the time of Creation (‘the Dreamtime’).

There are many places to begin exploring the fascinating culture, history and contributions of Indigenous Australians. A few links are listed below to get you started.

If you are going to be working in a remote community, the sources listed under the Cultural awareness section of DoctorConnect should also be of interest.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (ATSIA)
Indigenous Issues Fact Sheets (ATSIA)
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
History and culture of Aboriginal Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Torres Strait Regional Authority