Should non-Indigenous Australians have a relationship with Country? (13 Jun 2018)
Should non-Indigenous Australians have a relationship with Country?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ connections with Country extend tens of thousands of years, and to the Dreamtime itself. Differences in how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and settlers viewed the living Australian landscape were a chief source of misunderstandings and conflict between the two groups. Non-Indigenous appropriation of the land challenged and continues to challenge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ relationships with Country. This panel discussion brings together diverse views to answer a range of questions, including:
- Should non-Indigenous Australians have a relationship with Country?
- What form might non-Indigenous relationships with Country take, and how would non-Indigenous spiritual and intellectual traditions be likely to shape them?
- Who should or could authorise such relationships?
- Could Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships with Country work together to improve ecological sustainability in Australia?
- What are the global environmental implications of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships with Country?
PANELLISTS
Professor Tom Calma AO, Co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and Chancellor of the University of Canberra
Professor Kerry Arabena, Chair for Indigenous Health and Director of the Indigenous Health Equity Unit at the University of Melbourne
EVENT DETAILS
National Press Club, 16 National Circuit, BARTON ACT
5:30 - 7pm, Wednesday, 13th June 2018