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Dreamtime Wisdom and Modern Vision of Aboriginal

Australia’s Indigenous people are under serious threat. Aboriginal leaders say a large percentage of community live in abject poverty in one of the world’s richest nations. And their diverse cultures and languages are disappearing.

 

To combat this, the Yolngu tribe of East Arnhem Land holds an annual festival to show case their culture and to teach their young their ancient rituals. Michael Leung visited this year’s Garma festival and found modern technology, tourism and rock music preserving one of the world’s oldest cultures.



Ancient Arnhem Land, Modern Technology

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Australia’s Indigenous people are under serious threat.

Aboriginal leaders say a large percentage of their people live in abject poverty in one of the world’s richest nations.

And their diverse cultures and languages are disappearing.

To combat this, the Yolngu tribe of East Arnhem Land holds an annual festival to show case their culture and to teach their young their ancient rituals.

Michael Leung visited this year’s Garma festival and found modern technology preserving one of the world’s oldest cultures.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 September 2009 15:59 )
 

Australians Seek Reconciliation Through Tourism

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Australia is a country struggling to reconcile its indigenous history.

This history has in the past been absent from the national identity and recorded histories.

But nowadays, non-indigenous Australians are seeking to reconcile their ‘black’ past, and they’re doing it through cultural experiences like those offered by tourism.

As a result, some say that things are changing, while others say we haven’t come nearly far enough.

Michael Leung bring us this insider look at a country trying to reconcile its history.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 September 2009 16:01 )
 

The Dreamtime Wisdom and Modern Time Vision of Australia’s Wirrinyga Band

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In Australia, indigenous musicians are getting out a message through music.

While you might be thinking of traditional didgeridoo sound and rhythmic chanting, you might be surprised to learn that good old rock and roll is a crowd favourite.

In the case of Australia’s Wirrinyga Band, white and black musicians are working together to produce rock music – a departure from the traditional sounds of this ancient culture.

As Michael Leung discovers, these musical partnerships have helped pave connections where they didn’t exist.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 September 2009 16:03 )
 
 
      
 

  • This week on Asia Calling

Minorities denied government aid in flood affected Pakistan: The Catholic Vatican has expressed concern that minority communities such as Christians and Hindus are not receiving flood aid. It claims minorities are ‘systematically’ denial assistance by government officials in flood affected areas. The Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered inquiry into the matter. Naeem Sahoutara has this report from the government relief camp in Hyderabad where hundreds of Hindus are amongst the displaced.

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