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Special Nature of Indigenous Writing The story is the most powerful thing on earth because it will last as long as there are two people left on it. And when there is only one she will whisper these stories to remind herself of what has been lost and, in that way, she will have the company of her ancestors. Bruce Pascoe Knowledge, history and other cultural information have been orally transmitted through many indigenous generations. Now, indigenous writing has an important place in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander cultures. Some of the reasons indigenous writers put pen to paper include: • facilitating ongoing transmission of information • providing reading materials for indigenous readers • recording community histories • recording oral histories/life stories • fostering community ownership of stories • reclaiming and maintaining culture • reclaiming and maintaining language • entertainment • healing individuals and communities (for example relating stories of the Stolen Generation) • providing an authentic voice in Australian writing and the literary scene • educating the broader community about indigenous issues • educating indigenous communities on local and national indigenous issues. Over the past 20 years, the development of indigenous writing has resulted in a range of works on contemporary themes including indigenous issues and topics, such as the Stolen Generation, living in the era of Aboriginal protection, and indigenous identity. There are many reasons to write. I partly write to think things through in the form of a story, and to seek a deep communication with the future and the past; attempting to understand my own ancestors, and attempting to communicate with integrity to both present and future readers among my people. Kim Scott |
Indigenous writers also pen poems, stories and novels on themes that are not solely about indigenous issues… Writing and oral stories, like other aspects of indigenous heritage, often stem from a social and cultural base. In some cases, stories may relate to a group or groups of indigenous people where one author cannot be singled out from group ownership. The Painters of the Wagilag Sisters story is an example of a culturally based story that has ancient origins and spans a number of language groups. Indigenous Australians are concerned that there is no respect for their indigenous cultural knowledge, stories and other expression in the wider cultural environment. The current legal framework does not promote or protect the rights of indigenous people – particularly to own and control representation and dissemination of their stories, knowledge and other cultural expression. A further concern is the passing on of stories and indigenous knowledge to outsiders. In indigenous communities, the telling of stories is a right given to particular and qualified individuals. The re-telling of those stories by unqualified outsiders may be offensive to customary law beliefs. ... Non-indigenous writers writing on indigenous themes Indigenous people and their cultures have been depicted widely in Australian literature. Some of what has been written about indigenous people has served to develop stereotypes that do not adequately reflect the diversity of indigenous people and their culture. Writers need to be aware of these issues about the use of indigenous cultural and intellectual property within their works. Attention must be paid to the cultural accuracy of using indigenous knowledge, cultural information and stories. Questions of authenticity and appropriate cultural protocols require thought when writing down cultural information.
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On to In Class Activities
Aboriginality,
Poetry and Song