Understanding Aboriginal Culture?

Question

I have had little-to no exposure to people of aboriginal ethnicity and this poses a problem given i wish to be a police officer in the near future. Could anyone help me with what i'll call aboriginal ettiquitte? i.e what do they find offensive, complementary/respectful, illegal/disrespectful, that your average anglo/caucasian person would not? i.e: Evidently pointing is a no no, likewise with eye contact(??) please correct me if i am wrong i am quite the beginner!

Answer 1

hi. you are definately right with eye contact. to them, it is disrespectful to look someone in the eye. unfortunately, many people misinterpret this. most white people think a person is being cagey or disrespectful when someone doesnt look them in the eye. in reality, they are showing you respect by not looking you in the eye.

i commend your decision to learn more about the aboriginal culture. i would suggest going to aboriginal centres and chatting to the people that work there. i am sure they would be delighted to help. also, maybe chat to some aboriginal police liason officers. they should be able to help you.

good luck with your chosen career

Answer 2

I think you need to speak to some of the other officers in Australia about this as it is a very difficult problem at the moment. City aboriginals and tribal aboriginals are two different peoples, believe me. If you can get on the right side of the elders (grandmothers are the highest in cultural terms) it would help. But most aboriginals appear to not want 'white man' interference and there have been some calls for return to tribal law and having the white law withdrawn from communities. It is worth looking into more before you make a decision.

Answer 3

Koori is the name many go by on eastern coast, I can't remember how to spell the word that is used by Western Australian indigenous persons so will refrain so as not to upset.
Many feel that they have been misunderstood and misrepresented by mainstream white australia, they have deep cultural roots and beliefs. Many Australian indigenous peoples are very friendly and approachable, if you contact any of the Aboriginal cultural centres they will be more than happy to assist you in all your enquires.
May I congratulate you on your foresight in wishing to do your job with consideration. The Australian aboriginal has suffered much at the hands of the law and some places actually have an Aboriginal Police Liasons sector to help in this area, maybe this is another area you could perhaps look into.

Answer 4

They are an amazing people. There is a great book you should read called "Mutant Message Down Under" by Marlo Morgan. It is a 'fictionalized' account of her experience on a 'walkabout' with an aboriginal tribe - There is also a great movie called "Rabbit Proof Fence" which follows the plight of three aboriginal children during the English attempt to socialize these amazing people. I'm not sure of the social etiquette....but I do know that the Aboriginal people respect nature and the placement therein of human beings in an incredibly unique way that we all could learn from....good luck.

Answer 5

You do realize that the Police Service does have an Aboriginal and Ethnic Affairs Liaison Officer and that the subject is taught at the Academy? Why don't You contact Your nearest "Local Area Commander" and seek advice and literature on the subject? One thing that I do strongly advise You not to do is to read fictionalized accounts of, or movies about Aboriginal culture, it it the worst source of "information" that You will ever obtain and a profound insult to the Aboriginal People and Their Cultural Heritage. It is almost as racist and patronizing as "getting to know one so as to find out about them". Would You read "Snow White" in order to learn about Women?

Answer 6

I suggest looking on the Internet for information; Australian tourist info. will include points about Aboriginal etiiquette. You could also look for books on the subject. If you have an opportunity to visit important Aboraginal sites like Ayrs Rock you will learn from the Guides. You are wise to investigate this - if you ask Aboriginal people for help & advice I am sure they will appreciate your sensitivity. Your superiors & training officers should be able to advise you too. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Are you Canadian? Or Australian? Aborigine applies to both, yes?

In the U.S., we prefer to be called Indians, or by our tribal name, so first question might be a polite, "What tribe do you come from?"
Do NOT call or refer to any woman as a Squaw (that actually refers to male genitalia), and don't be surprised if people from the rez don't look you in the eye or want to shake hands. For heaven's sake, don't say, "How!"
If you treat people as people, you'll probably be just fine. Most native offenses have to do with alcohol, occasionally drugs, and most offenders need treatment far more than jail - so any way you can help with that, would be really helpful.
Most Indians are very spiritual, whether you think they're acting that way or not, so one way of helping is to ask who their elders or Medicine Person is, and if you can contact him/her for them.

Answer 8

Refer to Aboriginal people in Australia by their tribal name (where I live Aboriginals are called Murriis).

Most Aboriginal people will not look you in the eye (it is the window to the soul). Some western people find this disrepectful but by looking downwards it is actually showing you respect.

Answer 9

The best solution is to BEFRIEND AN ABORIGINAL/ SOMEONE WITH ABORIGINAL DESCENT. Works even better if u befriend more!

PS: Before coming to Australia I know nothing about Aussie culture. After befriending some Aussie mates I know a bit now...and still learning! ;)

Answer 10

historical past is historical past, sturdy or undesirable. that's needed comprehend all cultures the two contemporary and historic; this makes us the folk we are immediately. with none information of aboriginal way of existence; i'm effective that they presented some thing eye-catching to quickly's society that may many times flow left out.