Totems

In this section, explore the importance of Totems – natural objects which individual group members are responsible for – and find out how Totems define a person's role within a group.

Consider

  • Reciprocal responsibilities and the value of individual skills within a team/group.
  • Look at your home community and the place of the Aboriginal community – what is their role in that community?
  • When have you have worked in a team? What were the problems you experienced and how might a Totem system improve your team work?
  • How did Aboriginal people learn their roles and responsibilities?

Themes

  • Aboriginal Totem system and why it is important.
  • How historical policies and practices in the Aboriginal community have broken connections and what it means for Aboriginal communities.
  • Lack of acknowledgement of Aboriginal peoples' skills in mainstream Australia.

More information

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