Learning about culture

As a crown on our first full day in Alice, we were lucky to have Deanella Mack, who runs the business Cultural Connections, come over to have a cross-cultural fireside chat with us.  She is an Arrernte woman, born and raised in Alice Springs, and an Auntie to my colleague Lea!

Dee and I say "hi!" to Lea

Dee shared stories about the history and culture of her people. Time was limited which was unfortunate, because she is a great storyteller. It was great to have her bridge traditional customs and thinking to western thinking, and challenge our own understanding of our traditions and cultures. I am sure that the time we got to spend with her will help us connect better with the people we will meet and work with.

  

Something that really resonated with me, was learning more about Indigenous people’s families. I already knew they are so much more structured and organised than European ones. But hearing more about the very specific purposes that these structures serve was very interesting. They detail relationships as well as responsibilities and tasks vis a vis other people in your community. It is obvious that the disruption of these strong social networks has been destructive to the stability and prosperity of communities.

Another thing that Dee touched on briefly, that I’d like to know more about, is the way Anangu perceive time. The concept of not having distinct concepts around past, present and future is hard to comprehend for me, but intriguing nonetheless!

Part of the busy program for Tuesday was a visit to the Akeyulerre Healing Centre. The healers of the Arrernte traditional owners of the land where Alice Springs is situated, invited us to a Smoking Ceremony. They burn native plants to create smoke, to ward off bad spirits, and to heal and cleanse us for our time here in their country.

Arrernte women making bush medicine