Dreaming and Land
What is the Dreaming in Aboriginal spirituality?
The stories and laws that explain creation and guide life
What was one major effect of colonisation?
Loss of land and spiritual connection.
What did the 1967 Referendum do?
Counted Aboriginal people in the census and allowed federal laws.
Who was Eddie Mabo?
A Torres Strait Islander who fought for land rights.
What is reconciliation?
Healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
How is the Dreaming connected to the land?
The land holds the stories and spirits of the Dreaming.
What is dispossession?
Being forced off traditional land.
Why was it important for land rights?
It increased recognition and political support
What does terra nullius mean?
“Land belonging to no one.”
What is Closing the Gap?
A plan to reduce inequality.
What are totems?
Symbols linking people to ancestors, land, and identity.
How did missions prevent spirituality?
They banned ceremonies and language.
What was the 1972 Tent Embassy?
A protest for land rights in Canberra.
What year was the Mabo decision?
1992
What is Sorry Day?
A day to remember the Stolen Generations
What does “inextricable connection to the land” mean?
Spiritual life and identity are one with the land.
How did the Stolen Generations affect culture?
Children lost their culture and spiritual knowledge / connection.
What slogan was used by the Tent Embassy?
“Land rights, not handouts.”
What law followed the Mabo case?
The Native Title Act 1993
How do churches support reconciliation?
Through apologies and shared projects.
How do ceremonies express the Dreaming?
They retell stories and connect people to ancestors.
Why was dispossession a deep spiritual wound?
It broke the link between people and sacred land.
How did the referendum help reconciliation?
It showed growing support for equality.
Why was Mabo important spiritually?
It recognised Aboriginal connection to land.
How do Aboriginal beliefs influence environmental care?
They teach respect and care for Country.