Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Student name Susann Treston
Student number S0158048
Course code SOWK14004
Assignment Assessment 2
Topic Portfolio Report
Word Count no set length
Lecturer Daniel Teghe
Due date 19 August 2011
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................3
What was the event, what did I do, what did I hope to achieve?...................................5
What happened and what did I achieve?.........................................................................5
What made this event successful or not, in terms of achieving the goal of reconciliation?....................................................................................................................7
How were people involved, and how did these people respond to the activity?.........7
How did I handle the experience?.....................................................................................7
Was it positive or negative for the participants including me?.....................................7
What have I learned from the experience?......................................................................7
What would I do differently next time?.............................................................................7
In what ways did your experience link to the readings and other theoretical literature?............................................................................................................................8
References..........................................................................................................................9
Appendix...........................................................................................................................10
Mamu Clan Groups...........................................................................................................10
Cultural Protocols............................................................................................................11
Figure 1 Rainforest Culture Pre-contact........................................................................12
Figure 2 European Contact..............................................................................................15
Susann Treston Page 2 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Introduction
Have you even met and Aboriginal person?
Reconciliation is about building relationships between Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait
Islanders and the Australian community; relationships that are mutually respectful and allow
working together towards problem solving that leads to successful outcomes for all
(Reconciliation Australia 2010). Respect involves recognising and embracing difference
whilst being cautious actions are not based on further assimilation or integration. According
to Burney (1999), respect is about ‘recognition, rights and reform’; to recognise history, both
shared and before European contact; to recognise Indigenous rights as first peoples and
rights together with all Australians. Additionally, reconciliation is about reforming systems to
address disadvantage and change the frame of reference to include Aboriginal Australia
(HREOC 2010, quoted p.15). Howson (2002) has argued from a government perspective the
reconciliation process is reliant on the work and commitment of the entire community on all
levels, and will be achieved when Indigenous Australians enjoy the standards of opportunity
and treatment equal to those of fellow Australians (Howson 2002). Essentially, the
reconciliation process raises awareness and knowledge of Indigenous history and culture
and encourages action to build better relationships. Reconciliation is about doing something
to create positive changes in your own and others attitudes to Indigenous peoples; the
attitudes that have perpetuated myths and misunderstandings that have kept communities
divided and contribute to the ongoing disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians
(Reconciliation Australia 2010).
‘Over 80 percent of Australians have never even met an Aboriginal person’ (Bird 2011, p. 2
of 3). Whilst conducting research for this reconciliation portfolio activity, I came across this
statement and for me it struck a chord. Why? Because even though I might see Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people in my community at the supermarket, the football or on the
street it does not transfer to actually knowing any Indigenous persons on a significant level
to the extent of having meaningful interactions, dialogue or knowledge building experiences.
It is not that I am not interested; it comes down to lack of social opportunities and this maybe
the case for the unverified 80 percent of Australians previously mentioned. Opportunities for
genuine reconciliation can seem insurmountable if our experiences and beliefs are formed
from media coverage and third hand reports, rather than genuine engagement (Bird 2011).
Addressing this situation and to start building a personal awareness of Indigenous history,
culture and develop meaningful connections is the focus of this Reconciliation Portfolio
Activity.
Susann Treston Page 3 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
This activity is a starting point on a personal journey of discovery, it is not static or final once
completed. Ideally the process once initiated will consolidate, evolve and contribute to further
pathways of exposure to develop Indigenous related knowledge relationships and
experiences. Reconciliation, like any relationship building process, is ongoing and requires
attention, energy, reflection, time and consideration to survive and grow.
Susann Treston Page 4 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
What was the event, what did I do, what did I hope to achieve?
Objective
Develop personal awareness and knowledge of Indigenous culture and history
Contribute to community and workplace awareness of Indigenous culture and history
Strategy
Start small, start local.
Research
local Indigenous history in the community
identify the language and clan groups, traditional owners, local elders and determine
cultural protocols
Actions
Contact a community Indigenous organisation to discuss reconciliation initiatives and
perspectives of the local Indigenous community
Document findings and distribute in workplace.
What happened and what did I achieve?
Through research I was able to find information about the local indigenous peoples, the
Mamu , the family group names, Traditional Owner representatives of each family group and
cultural protocols. These are listed in the Appendix, under Mamu Clan Groups and Cultural
Protocols. Additionally, through the Mamu website, there was an in depth document about
the local Indigeneous history and areas of cultural significance (Simmons 1993, Figure 1 and
2). What was of particular interest was that these caves, middens, bora grounds, rock
engravings are all in my localised area and accessible. The action section of the portfolio
involved approaching a local community group and discussing reconciliation perspectives
and activities.
I visited Mamu Cultural Wellbeing Centre and spoke to Brett Ambrum and Libby Carney
(Tradtional Owner, descendant of Mandubara family group), both Drug and Alcohol
counsellors. The Community Calendar lists the Indigenous events that are held thorough out
the year, National Sorry Day (26 May), National Reconciliation Week , including Mabo Day
Susann Treston Page 5 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
(27 May to 3 June), NAIDOC week (3-10 July), National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s
Day(4 August) and International Day of Worlds Indigenous Peoples (9 August) are the
events of importance in the community. Their advice was, these events are an opportunity
for anyone in the community to attend, celebrate and find out more about Indigenous points
culture. Just by going along and attending is a way to start showing your interest and by
getting involved, over time Indigenous people are likely to get to know you and you them,
facilitating and developing new relationships and understanding. It is as simple as: if you are
interested, show up and show others you are supportive. When asked “ How do we start the
process in our community?’, Libby Carney held the view that Reconciliation is about the
aboriginal people making the first approach towards reconciliation between non-Indigenous
and themselves, and that Indigenous peoples shouldn’t be waiting for the ‘white felllas’ to
make the first move. In addition she also talked about the types of methods she favoured,
her attitude and experiences in working with issues and people and this gave me an
alternative perspective, based more on spirituality, sense of self and value, which was
relevant to social work, so therefore very interesting. In addition, the information collated
from research was distributed to workmates and promoted discussion, not particularly about
reconciliation, generally the historical information that was not widely known, was found to
be of interest.
Susann Treston Page 6 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
What made this event successful or not, in terms of achieving the goal of reconciliation?I feel the activity developed an awareness and knowledge of local culture and history, built
new connections between two different cultures and deepened understanding and respect of
difference.
How were people involved, and how did these people respond to the activity?
The people involved were I, the workers at Mamu Cultural Wellbeing Centre and my
colleagues at work. My response was positive, Mamu staff were engaged and seemed
genuinely interested to assist, offering an invitation for me to drop in again anytime.
My work colleagues were also interested, especially as a large proportion of the client base
at Probation and Parole are local Aboriginal people.
How did I handle the experience?
Once the activity was decided, half the problem was deciding what to do ,I really enjoyed the
process of learning about my local community. I was not quite sure in my interaction with
Mamu staff how I was coming across as I didn’t want to inadvertently say the wrong thing. I
had met both Mamu staff before, and once the conversation got on topic I felt involved and
engaged.
Was it positive or negative for the participants including me?
Positive
What have I learned from the experience?
Reconciliation is about actions not words, or more precisely putting words or philosophy into
action.
What would I do differently next time?
Next time, with more preparation time, I would do the same activity and consult with a
number of additional persons. Such as speak to some of the members of the family groups.
Susann Treston Page 7 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
In what ways did your experience link to the readings and other theoretical literature?
In the introduction I have outlined my interpretation of reconciliation which was based upon
literature and sources to develop understanding. I have linked this understanding to the
activity by the formation of objectives, strategies, research and action that will be in
themselves a reconciliation process to build a respectful relationship between myself, my
workplace and the community, which includes Indigenous individuals and organisations.
Susann Treston Page 8 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
References
Bird, P 2011, Have you even met an Aboriginal person?’,Perth Now, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.perthnow.com.au/have-you-even-met-an-aboriginal-person/story-fn6mhct1-1226066563690
Reconciliation Australia 2010, ‘What is reconciliation’, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/reconciliation-resources/what-is-reconciliation-
Howson, P 2002, ‘Inquiry into the progress towards national reconciliation’, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.bennelong.com.au/articles/pdf/Reconciliation.pdf
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission 2010, ‘Social justice report 2010’, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/sj_report/sjreport10/chap1.html
Ma:Mu 2010, ‘Welcome to Mamu country’,viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.mamu.org.au/country.aspx
Reconciliation Australia 2010, ‘What is reconciliation’, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/reconciliation-resources/what-is-reconciliation-
Secretariat of National Aboriginal & Islander Child Care 2010, Working and walking together’, SNAICC, North Fitzroy.
Simmons, A1993, Cultural Survey, ‘A preliminary aboriginal cultural heritage survey of the wet tropic world heritage area, Innisfail district’, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.mamu.org.au/documents.aspx
Susann Treston Page 9 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Appendix
Mamu Clan Groups (Ma:Mu 2010). Clan Steering Committee Members
Bagirbara (Family Group 2 of 6)
1. Terry Edwards
Convenor
Mobile 0417 642 682
5. Byronn Nieshner
Mandubara (Family Group 3 of 6)
2. Henry Epong
6. Phillip Epong
Dulgubara (Family Groups 5 and 6 of 6)
3. Dean Purcell
(proxy Ben Purcell or Steve Purcell)
7. David Purcell
Waribara (Family Groups 1 and 4 of 6)
4. Victor Maund
8. Tye Brooks
Djiribara (no nominated family group)
There are currently no officially known family representatives who speak for Djiribara Clan matters
Contact Person
Alf Joyce
[email protected] Mob 0427006534
14 Batchelor Street, Innisfail Qld 4860
Susann Treston Page 10 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Cultural Protocols
Cultural protocols refer to customs, lore and codes of behaviour of a cultural group and a way of conducting business. Cultural protocol also refers to protocols and procedures used to guide the observance of traditional knowledge and practices, including the way traditional knowledge is used, recorded and disseminated.
Some examples:
Welcome to Country Acknowledgement of Country and Elders Smoking Ceremony Fee for Service Sorry Business and bereavement protocols Media Protocols Use of images and voices Acknowledging Caretakers] Confidentiality and Traditional Knowledge Men’s and Women’s Business Using Artwork Use of Language Visiting Remote Communities(Secretariat of National Aboriginal & Islander Child Care 2010, p. 68-80)
Susann Treston Page 11 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Figure 1 Rainforest Culture Pre-contact
Susann Treston Page 12 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Susann Treston Page 13 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Susann Treston Page 14 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Figure 2 European Contact
Susann Treston Page 15 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
Susann Treston Page 16 of 16S0158048 SOWK14004
