New Aboriginal History

I found this strange image on social media and I decided to research if it had validity. I was rather shocked to find it did.

Below I will break it down by using AI to do research and find me information.

DOT Painting

The Indigenous Australian artists of the Papunya Tula group began developing the dot painting style in the early 1970s. The exact year often cited for the beginning of this artistic movement is 1971. This period marks the time when Geoffrey Bardon, an Australian art teacher, started working with the Aboriginal community in Papunya, a remote settlement in the Northern Territory.

Bardon encouraged the local artists to depict their traditional stories and symbols using modern materials like acrylic paints and canvas. This initiative led to the development of the dot painting technique, which became a distinctive and internationally recognized style of Aboriginal Australian art.

Key Points:

• 1971: Geoffrey Bardon arrived in Papunya and began collaborating with the local Aboriginal artists.
• Papunya Tula Artists: This collective of artists embraced the dot painting style and were instrumental in its development and popularization.

Dot painting thus emerged as a contemporary expression of ancient cultural practices, allowing Aboriginal artists to share their rich heritage with a broader audience while preserving the sacred aspects of their traditions.

The information provided about the origins of dot painting among Indigenous Australian artists, particularly the Papunya Tula group, is widely documented in various reputable sources. Some key references include:

Books:

• “Papunya: A Place Made After the Story” by Geoffrey Bardon and James Bardon. This book details Geoffrey Bardon’s experiences and the development of the dot painting movement.
• “Dot, Circle & Frame: 20 Years of Papunya Tula Painting” by Vivien Johnson. This book provides an in-depth look at the history and impact of the Papunya Tula artists.

Academic Journals and Articles:

• Scholarly articles on Aboriginal art and the Papunya Tula movement can be found in journals such as Aboriginal History and Australian Aboriginal Studies.

Museum and Gallery Collections:

• The National Museum of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales have extensive collections and exhibitions on Papunya Tula artists and their work, often accompanied by detailed curatorial notes and historical context.

Documentaries and Interviews:

• Documentaries and interviews featuring Geoffrey Bardon and Papunya Tula artists provide firsthand accounts of the origins and significance of dot painting.

Websites:

• Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
• National Gallery of Australia
• Papunya Tula Artists

These sources collectively offer a comprehensive understanding of the development of dot painting by the Indigenous Australian artists of the Papunya Tula group in the early 1970s, under the guidance and encouragement of Geoffrey Bardon.

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Ernie Dingo invented the “Welcome to the country” Ceremony in 1976

The claim that Ernie Dingo invented the “Welcome to Country” ceremony is not accurate. The “Welcome to Country” ceremony is an ancient Indigenous Australian tradition that has been practiced by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. However, Ernie Dingo did play a significant role in its modern popularization and formalization.

Key Points:

1. Ancient Tradition:

• The “Welcome to Country” ceremony is a traditional Aboriginal practice that involves Elders or traditional custodians of the land welcoming visitors. This practice has been part of Aboriginal culture long before European colonization.

1. Modern Popularization:

• Ernie Dingo, along with Richard Walley, is often credited with popularizing the ceremony in contemporary Australian society. Their efforts in the late 20th century, particularly around the time of the Australian Bicentennial in 1988, helped bring the ceremony into mainstream recognition.
• Dingo and Walley performed and promoted the ceremony at various public events, emphasizing its cultural significance and the importance of acknowledging traditional landowners.

1. Misconception:

• The misconception that Ernie Dingo invented the ceremony likely arises from his significant role in its promotion and formalization in modern contexts. While he did not create the ceremony, his contributions helped ensure its inclusion in official and public events across Australia.

Sources:

1. Books and Articles:

• “Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia” by Marcia Langton provides context on the ceremony and its modern adaptation.
• Various academic articles and journal entries in Australian Aboriginal Studies discuss the historical roots of the ceremony and its contemporary practice.

1. Media and Interviews:

• Media reports and interviews with Ernie Dingo highlight his advocacy work and his efforts in popularizing the “Welcome to Country” ceremony.

1. Indigenous Organizations:

• The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and other cultural organizations provide insights into the history and significance of the “Welcome to Country” ceremony.

Conclusion:

While Ernie Dingo did not invent the “Welcome to Country” ceremony, he played a crucial role in bringing it into the public eye and promoting its use in modern Australian society. His contributions have helped ensure that the ceremony is widely recognized and respected, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land at public and official events.

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There is no Aboriginal Word for Welcome to the country

The suggestion that there is no single Aboriginal word for “Welcome to the Country” is accurate. Aboriginal Australia is made up of many diverse nations, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. As a result, there is no single term across all Aboriginal languages that directly translates to “Welcome to the Country.” The concept of welcoming visitors is embedded in various cultural practices and traditions that differ from one Aboriginal nation to another.

Key Points:

1. Diverse Languages and Cultures:

• There are hundreds of Aboriginal languages in Australia, each with its own vocabulary and expressions. The diversity of these languages means that concepts and practices, including welcoming ceremonies, are articulated differently across regions.

1. Cultural Practices:

• While the practice of welcoming visitors to the land is common among many Aboriginal nations, the specific words and rituals used can vary significantly. The “Welcome to Country” ceremony, as it is known today, is a formalized version that draws from these traditional practices but does not have a universal linguistic equivalent in Aboriginal languages.

1. Modern Adaptation:

• The term “Welcome to Country” has been adopted in contemporary Australian English to describe these ceremonies. It is a way to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and pay respect to their Elders and cultural heritage. The formalization of this practice in English is a way to make it accessible and understandable in a modern, multicultural context.

Sources:

1. Cultural Organizations:

• Information from organizations such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and Reconciliation Australia provides insights into the diversity of Aboriginal languages and cultural practices.

1. Academic Research:

• Studies on Aboriginal languages and cultural practices, such as those published in journals like Australian Aboriginal Studies, highlight the linguistic diversity and the various ways in which welcoming ceremonies are conducted across different Aboriginal nations.

1. Books and Articles:

• Works like “Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia” by Marcia Langton discuss the adaptation and significance of the “Welcome to Country” ceremony in modern Australia, including the absence of a single Aboriginal word for the concept.

Conclusion:

The concept of welcoming visitors to the land is a widespread cultural practice among Aboriginal Australians, but due to the vast linguistic diversity, there is no single Aboriginal word for “Welcome to Country.” The modern formalization of the ceremony and its terminology in English serves to respect and acknowledge these traditional practices in a contemporary context.

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“The acknowledgement of Country” was invented in the 1990’s

Yes, it is true that the formal practice of the “Acknowledgement of Country” emerged in the 1990s. The “Acknowledgement of Country” is a contemporary practice that was developed to show respect for the traditional custodians of the land at the beginning of public events, meetings, and gatherings, especially when a traditional “Welcome to Country” ceremony cannot be performed.

Key Points:

1. Modern Practice:

• The “Acknowledgement of Country” was formalized in the 1990s as part of broader efforts to recognize and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their enduring connection to the land. This practice aligns with the growing recognition of Indigenous rights and cultural heritage during this period.

1. Purpose:

• It serves to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognize the continuing connection of Indigenous peoples to their country. It is a way for non-Indigenous people to participate in showing respect and acknowledgment, even if they are not able to conduct a traditional “Welcome to Country.”

1. Invention and Spread:

• The practice was adopted and promoted by various government bodies, educational institutions, and organizations as part of their commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous cultures. It quickly became a common protocol across Australia.

Sources:

1. Government and Institutional Guidelines:

• The Australian Government and organizations like Reconciliation Australia provide guidelines and information on the “Acknowledgement of Country,” including its origins and significance. For example, the Australian Government’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has resources on cultural protocols, including the “Acknowledgement of Country.”

1. Cultural Organizations:

• The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and similar organizations offer resources and historical context for the practice.

1. Books and Articles:

• Publications and articles on Indigenous cultural practices and reconciliation efforts often discuss the emergence and significance of the “Acknowledgement of Country” in the 1990s.

Conclusion:

The “Acknowledgement of Country” is a modern practice that was developed in the 1990s to show respect for Indigenous Australians and their connection to the land. While it draws on the principles of traditional Aboriginal customs, it was formalized during a period of increasing recognition and respect for Indigenous cultures and rights in Australia.

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The smoking ceremony was also invented by Ernie Dingo

No, it is not true that Ernie Dingo invented the smoking ceremony. The smoking ceremony is an ancient and traditional Aboriginal custom that has been practiced by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years.

Key Points:

1. Ancient Tradition:

• The smoking ceremony is a traditional ritual performed by various Aboriginal groups across Australia. It involves the burning of native plants to produce smoke, which is used for cleansing and healing purposes, as well as to ward off bad spirits and promote the well-being of people and the land.

1. Cultural Significance:

• The ceremony is deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture and spirituality. Different plants are used depending on the region and the specific purposes of the ceremony, which can vary among different Aboriginal groups.

1. Ernie Dingo’s Role:

• While Ernie Dingo is a prominent figure in promoting and popularizing various aspects of Aboriginal culture, including the “Welcome to Country” ceremony, he did not invent the smoking ceremony. His role has been more about advocating for the recognition and respect of traditional Aboriginal practices in contemporary Australian society.

Sources:

1. Cultural Organizations:

• The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) provides information on traditional ceremonies, including smoking ceremonies, explaining their cultural significance and historical roots.

1. Books and Academic Articles:

• Numerous scholarly articles and books on Aboriginal culture and traditions, such as those found in Australian Aboriginal Studies and other publications, document the historical and cultural significance of the smoking ceremony.

1. Indigenous Communities:

• Elders and cultural custodians from various Aboriginal communities have passed down the knowledge and practices of the smoking ceremony through generations, underscoring its ancient origins.

Conclusion:

The smoking ceremony is an ancient Aboriginal ritual that has been practiced for millennia. It is not an invention of Ernie Dingo, although he has contributed significantly to the broader recognition and respect of Aboriginal cultural practices in modern Australia.

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In conclusion, sure, as a nation we have been lied to from both sides of politics. This image is no different.