Events and actions in this history of the colonisation of Australia have severely suppressed and attempted to destroy our Ancestors’ abilities to pass our culture onto future generations (see ‘Colonisation’ in this glossary). This was done through the massacres  of Aboriginal people; the forced removal of Aboriginal people from our homelands (Country), which makes it harder for our cultural knowledge to be transferred because it is connected to Country and specific areas; and through the prohibition of cultural practices. For instance, Aboriginal children were only allowed to speak English when taken to missions (see ‘Stolen Generations’ in this glossary). The prohibition of our cultures is said to have been a way to assimilate us into White society. By erasing our cultural identity, we are erased.

This is why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people work to ensure the protection and transferral of our cultures. From Ancestors who kept doing cultural practices in secret even though they might get punished by colonial authorities for doing so, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders today who teach culture and are recording it to preserve for future generations.

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