Aboriginal Lives Before Colonisation
Many believe that Australia was better off after the European settlement, as it is now a thriving country. Australia ranks the highest for median wealth, and is only second to Swiss in relation to average wealth according to The Guardian. However, was Australia headed? Before the First Fleet arrived, Aboriginals inhabited the land peacefully, nurturing the environment and practicing a deep and spiritual culture. The European landing resulted in a hugely negative environmental impact, and an even larger loss of culture.
Living in Harmony with the Land
Aboriginals lived in harmony with nature, and held a deep respect for all aspects of the land. The Indigenous people lived as nomads, traveling from place to place to hunt and gather, so that they did not deplete natural resources beyond repair. They returned to the same place every twelve months, giving fauna and flora long enough to replenish itself. Each Aboriginal group had its own territory.
When the Aboriginals were not traveling, they camped in the open, as Australia had a rather warm climate, the camp fire provided all the necessary heat. When it became too cold, Aboriginals made simple shelters of bark, leaves and branches that they could sleep in, and leave the next morning. Aboriginals also camped in caves or other natural structures that provided shelter.
Settlers to Australia had no such connection to the environment. Upon landing, pest animals were released, such as rabbits and sheep, that competed with native animals for resources. Massive amounts of land were stolen from the Aboriginals and turned into farm land. Settlers also began logging as a source of income and to clear more land for shelters. This resulted in a large decline of native habitat.
When the Aboriginals were not traveling, they camped in the open, as Australia had a rather warm climate, the camp fire provided all the necessary heat. When it became too cold, Aboriginals made simple shelters of bark, leaves and branches that they could sleep in, and leave the next morning. Aboriginals also camped in caves or other natural structures that provided shelter.
Settlers to Australia had no such connection to the environment. Upon landing, pest animals were released, such as rabbits and sheep, that competed with native animals for resources. Massive amounts of land were stolen from the Aboriginals and turned into farm land. Settlers also began logging as a source of income and to clear more land for shelters. This resulted in a large decline of native habitat.
Aboriginal Beliefs
The Dreaming is the Aboriginal religion. The Indigenous believe that there was a time when huge beings, often in the form of animals, lived in Australia, and their movements created the rivers, lakes, and the sky. These ancestral beings are the cause of the laws and life choices that govern the Aboriginal people. Dreaming stories were told throughout various tribes, each story a little different but each had a purpose. The purpose of the stories were to teach children how to behave towards others, or to be kind and selfless. Dreaming stories always have positive morals. The Dreaming taught young Indigenous children Aboriginal law in the form of songs, stories, music art and dance. Aboriginal life revolved around this belief system and the Indigenous people believed if they followed the Dreaming's rules, they would successfully live in harmony with the bush land and life would be forever balanced. The Aboriginals cared for the land and its creatures under the belief that, if mistreated the spirits would become angry and punish them with droughts or floods.
Around the 1850's, Aboriginal people were forced to attend Christian churches in an effort to spread Christianity and 'cilvilise' them. This resulted in a huge loss of culture among the Indigenous people and resulted in a decline of the Aboriginal belief system and language.
Around the 1850's, Aboriginal people were forced to attend Christian churches in an effort to spread Christianity and 'cilvilise' them. This resulted in a huge loss of culture among the Indigenous people and resulted in a decline of the Aboriginal belief system and language.