Breanna+-+CD+-+SP13


 * 1. Name: ** Bindi Wanganeen


 * 2. Culture: ** Australian Aborigine


 * 3. Language: ** English is typically a first or second language. In the 1700s, there were nearly 300 different known dialects, but in modern times there are only 17 out of the 150 remaining that are not at risk of extinction. The three most well known are Yolngu, Arrernte, and Warlpiri.


 * Beliefs: ** A strong, supportive family is key. Most are either Christian or follow traditional beliefs and worship the gods of their ancestors.


 * Values: ** They put a lot into their family connections and value community support. Knowledge of the culture and traditions is highly valued, as is a dedication to preserving the “old way of life.” Education is also an integral value, as without it, the culture would fall apart.


 * Behaviors: ** Generally live in nomadic bands of 10-20 people. Hunting and gathering are the choice methods of living, and they are famously known for their survival skills in the bush. Due to failed attempts by colonists in the 1700s and also by modern day non-Aboriginals to integrate the people into white society, domestic violence and alcoholism run rampant among the slum-like communities of Aboriginals on the edges of many towns.


 * Beneficial Aspects: ** English comes very easily to them and they can generally speak it fluently, so communication would be easy. Social skills are also a second nature to Aborigines, so they are friendly and have no issues with working alongside others, even outsiders. They are very knowledgeable about their environment and have a very deep, personal connection with it. They understand how the outback is positively and negatively impacted, what impacts it, and how to best preserve Australia’s natural resources. This can also be applied to several regions around the world, which would aid in global wildlife conservation.


 * 4. Undesirable Aspects: ** The nomadic lifestyle and tendency to avoid settling down in one place would be an impediment, as would the selective but enormously dangerous alcoholism and domestic violence issues.Most non-Aboriginal Australians look down upon the culture as a whole and thus do not respect them--to the point where two articles in the Australian Constitution explicitly impede their rights. Also, the elders tend to take matters into their own hands and kidnap teenagers and young adults to take out into the bush for very extended periods of time as a way to “scare them straight” when they begin to lose themselves to the ways of white society.


 * Primary Sources: **

Eastwood, Ken. "Living the Traditional Aboriginal Life." Australian Geographic. N.p., 15 Dec. 2010. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. .

Walker, Yolanda. "Aboriginal Family Issues." Family Matters - Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. < [] >.

Keen, Ian. Being Black: Aboriginal Cultures in Settled Australia. Canberra: Aboriginal Studies, 1988. Print.
 * Print Sources: **

"Aboriginal Languages." Creative Spirits. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. .
 * Secondary Sources: **

"Religion and Ceremony." Aboriginal Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. .