Aboriginal people have occupied this continent for at least 50,000 years. Indeed, relatively recent archaeological findings indicate that Aboriginal occupation dates back approximately 170,000 years. Aboriginal people, however, say “We have always been here”.

The roots of contemporary Aboriginal spirituality lie in a variety of traditions and experiences. First and foremost are the various stories, ceremonies, values and structures which sustained Aboriginal peoples throughout their long period of relatively unchallenged occupation of the continent.

It is important here to acknowledge that at the time of contact it is estimated that the Aboriginal population was approximately 250,000 to 300,000 separated into around 250 language groups each with its own sub-groups and specific dialects (around 600 different language groups overall). Because of the dynamic nature of Aboriginal cultures, there were and continue to be, differences between the groups. There are, however, shared cultural traits, economic and ceremonial dealings, and a customary system of land-tenure law. Land was and is central to spiritual/religious life, as is clearly demonstrated within the concept of The Dreaming. Land is also the primary basis of economic survival.

The Dreaming is most readily described as: the organizing logic of so much of the symbolism of Aboriginal life and (in the Western sense) art.

Source: Aboriginal Spirituality and Cosmology (Penny Tripcony, Manager, Oodgeroo Unit, Queensland University of Technology XPaper initially presented at the National Conference of the Australian Association of Religious Education, September, 1996.)