Overcoming the 'shame' factor: empowering indigenous people to share and celebrate their culture

Overcoming the 'shame' factor: empowering indigenous people to share and celebrate their culture

This paper explores the tenuous relationship between Indigenous perspectives and educational institutions. It discusses the importance of developing respectful dialogue between the two, along with the fundamental necessity of working within a community as opposed to upon it. These principles are demonstrated through the creation of a joint community cultural celebration involving local Indigenous communities, schools and their University. An evaluation of the event demonstrated how knowledge was enhanced and respectful relationships developed. The project 'birrbam burunga gambay' – to play and learn together, involved over 350 people who participated in a shared cultural experience, where Indigenous perspectives were showcased by people within the local community. The project stimulated a sense of pride within the Indigenous people because their traditional knowledge was valued and respected by the local community. The result was a sense of connectedness for Indigenous people with the university and local schools, which arose from the close communication and consultation the project embodied. Respect for Indigenous people and their traditional knowledge and skills were shown by the local community at the cultural event. By overcoming the shame factor, birrbam burunga gambay has empowered Indigenous people to share and celebrate their culture with the wider community.

Copyright 2012 by Australian Multicultural Interaction Institute.