Aboriginal Culture

The Aboriginal Culture. The Indigenous aboriginal people are one of a kind they mostly reside in Australia both the mainland and the island Tasmania. The Aboriginals were indigenous to the continent and has resided there since the late 1700’s. There are over 400 different tribes within the Aboriginal culture and they all have different dialects, and languages. Communication amongst the Aboriginal people is much different they use terms such as full blood or half caste meaning not of the same biological parents. Mainly they use terms within their specific tribe so that outsiders are not able to butt in on personal business. Terms like “Aborigine”, and “Aborigines” are of offense and are terms used in connection to harsh times of enslavement. It is disrespectful to mention a deceased person’s name for up to two weeks after death following their cultural guidelines.
Time orientation is not of great importance in Aboriginal culture as it is in Western civilization. The Aboriginal people use the position of the sun and the closeness of the season to tell time weather. Personal space is not of great importance either. Men usually address men and then are either invited or ask to address the woman.
Social roles are very important as the Aboriginals lead by elders, Elders lead the community and if ill the entire village will participate in caring for the elder whether personal related or not. When entering a room it is respectful to address the elder first and then males and lastly females. Religion is based upon multiple God’s. The Aboriginals believe that everything in life is made from the earth such as serpents used to create pathways for the people.
Health beliefs are looked upon as any ill person is sick by sin. Their belief is that a person who has a disease is being punished by a God for some kind of sin committed. Health practices are preferred to be done holistically. Due to the fact that they believe everything is from the earth they also believe that the cure shall come from the earth. Health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, mental health, diabetes, cancers, and injuries are main health concerns within their culture.
The dietary preferences for the Aboriginals are not of importance because they are very poor and almost all foods come from the grubs and bushes. Foods like berries, fish, nuts, and wild game are main course meals.