Aborigines are lost, simply because they once had their own culture, which was usurped by the British culture that arrived in 1788. Until 1967 aborigines had no rights, so their journey into modern western culture has only been going 50 years. So, it is not surprising that some aborigines are caught in two worlds. To help aborigines get their bearings and a sense of place, they must re-engage with their culture and heritage, but not to the detriment of their Australian culture, but as an enhancement. If not already in existence, we need aborigines to set up their own councils, from which they can administer and run local aboriginal affairs. The councils will focus on all aboriginal matters that relate to their particular tribe. In addition to the council there will be a local aboriginal museum and school. The museum is to collate, record and store everything to do with the local tribe, its heritage, customs, culture and language. This is to preserve everything before it is lost to time. The school will be setup to enable local aboriginal children to be taught their local tribal language, customs and culture, so that they grow up fully understanding who they are and to be able to pass on their aboriginal knowledge to future generations.
Aboriginal heritage and culture are being lost at an alarming rate, whether it be the local language, their history or their places of special significance. There are many places in Australia that have long standing attachment to aborigines and whether it be trees, forests, rocks or monuments, these are slowing being lost or destroyed. A particular example is the aboriginal Stonehenge, which is a sacred side near Byron Bay, which used to have a structure made up of standing stones in circles. This site was destroyed on the orders of the government in the 1950s, however, the site was only partially destroyed and the stones were saved and hidden. The aborigines are trying to preserve this site, but it is under threat from developers who having the backing of the local labor and green councillors, which is rather ironic. We will compulsorily purchase this land and hold it in trust for the aborigines, whilst the whole site is fully investigated, pending the reconstruction of the standing stones.
Aboriginal health or the lack of, is a major concern. Their health is in poor condition due to their life styles and excessive use of alcohol. We need to tackle this problem head on and actively force aborigines to change their habits. By empowering aborigines with the new councils, museums and schools, hopefully future generations of aboriginals will grow up leading healthy lives.
Australia is a large country, with room to spare. There is no reason why we could not set aside an area of land to create a new state, one that is specifically for aborigines. In this state aborigines will have the choice whether to live the old ways as hunter gathers or live as modern Australians. By granting them their own state, will empower aborigines to lead more fulfilling lives and take responsibility and ownership of their issues and problems.
