culture
Protocol Process Politics People
This project is a way to start a conversation about the Country by having engagement with the imagination. We've had a journey to discover the appropriate way, and by placing this creative development artwork online, we sought feedback. The representation of what we found, well, it's not fully resolved. Although it is a record of our experience, we recognise that access to cultural knowledge may be difficult or at times inappropriate. There are issues but also opportunities for change. We realise that imparting cultural knowledge is a community decision. So we've tried to engage adequately without wishing to offend. Hopefully, people realise that we might make mistakes, but it's unintentional. People have to be open to the process for change to occur. After all, we are experiencing the environment and want the blessing of passage. In seeking a deeper connection with the earth we live on, we want to do the right thing, so please be patient
Is the Art object a colonising statement? What we record in the landscape becomes a media document that exists as an artefact beyond the initial transaction of place. It is critical if we trespass into terrain that breeches lore that we're unaware of due to our contemporary artistic expression. Our findings are necessary so that others can learn from our mistakes and progress with future dialogue. Experiences are opportunities. We try and work through the First Nations perspective, state it, write it down so that when others go through the process, they can refer to these notes and progress their engagement further and make some positive change. If you can connect to the Traditional Owners to seek approval, permission, blessing, it's a more robust conversation about connecting with other cultural perspectives.
I'm not from here but I have respect for local traditonal people, and have an appreciation of the environment. So what does it mean for people who are not traditional people, how far can they go or have a say? How much legitimacy can they have in whatever country they adopt? That's what we're trying to work out. That's the thing that's holding a lot of Indigenous people back too. It's because of these lores or fears of doing the wrong thing. Sometimes it's too hard or black and white, but there are ways forward. The glimpses of knowledge I see and hear, bring hope and carry messages that inform me with my practice. I'm transient, but know where I originate, and can move in and amongst other people.
It's more critical for an indigenous person, traditional people expect white people to mess up or do things the silly or wrong way, Indigenous people should know better. You hear them old people, they talk like that too, "they got no shame, they're going there, they're going here," they couldn't say anything, see, otherwise they get shot. Back then, you were forbidden to speak, you couldn't teach your culture, all that type of stuff associated with oppressive colonialism. You hear a lot of that attitude, that thought like, "Nah, they shouldn't be doing that", but no one would say. But now, today for a lot of the young people, because things have changed, they're trying to voice their concerns about all that oppressive stuff. And it isn't easy that whole process of doing it the right way. Some people say it might be too restrictive, but others say it's good you're doing something with culture, rather than being too restricted to do anything. They want to see things done. The most important thing is that the land is the boss, it's the Elder. We're representing the animals. When we're performing we are a voice for them, for the environment, we speak up for that. It sustains us, keeps our mind-body healthy and good. You have to find the spine and have the backbone to stand.
Zane Saunders
Spine, embedded cultural consultant
connection to country
The most important thing is that the land is the boss. It's really that simple. (personal communication)
Victor Steffensen
Indigenous environmental filmaker, writer and educator
Everyone, every human being on the planet has or should have a connection to country. (personal communication)
Carl Marun Fourmile
Traditional Owner, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji
There is more that connects us than divides us. Connectivity is everything to First Nations people. Connectivity is just not about communication, making contact and being in contact. It's about relationships, as meaningful and sustainable relationships, engagement with one another, and the environment around us. First Nations people have always thought about and long held the importance of connectivity and how that can improve our health, our wellbeing, but also to safeguard our environment. After all, we all share this beautiful world, planet earth. So I ask you, 'What gives you a sense of connection?' (TEDxJCUCairns 2018)
Gavin Singleton
Traditional Owner, Yirrganydji
A stalactite grows 3-5cm every 100 years. A stalagmite grows 1cm every 100 years. When they join they form a column and the sparkles that exist on the surface are calcite crystal. The presence of the crystals tells us that the formation is still active, that the column is still growing. (personal communication)
Eddie Thomas
Traditional Owner and Park Ranger, Wakamin