Indigenous Perspectives - Unit

Introduction to topic

The Importance of Country

In your own words summarise the main points of the article.

A POEM BY LARRAKIA WOMAN MILILMA MAY

‍‍Gulumoerrgin | My country

Gulumoerrgin is the trees,

the red dirt and blue seas.

Gulumoerrgin is the sun,

the moon and the stars that infinitely surround me.

Gulumoerrgin is my family,

my people and my community.

Gulumoerrgin is me.

Bob Randall, a Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru (Ayer's Rock), explains how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea but a way of living. This way includes all beings as part of a vast family and calls us to be responsible for this family and care for the land with unconditional love and responsibility.

• After watching the clip above, discuss with a partner, or as a group, and note down the significant ideas communicated.

Connection to country is interrelated with what has become described in English as the Dreaming. Rachel Perkins introduces the Dreaming at the start of her documentary The First Australians.

• After watching the clip above, discuss how film language adds to the storytelling process.