Contemporary+Aboriginal+Spiritualities

Challenge based learning Can you discuss how Aboriginal spirituality is determined by the Dreaming and how it influences their daily life? =How is Aboriginal Dreaming determined by the Dreaming?=

Watch the following videos and respond to the set challenge.

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=Kinship=

Being able to respond to these questions will enable you to respond to the challenge. Complete these questions in your workbook so the teacher can follow your progress.
 * 1) Explain the concept of aboriginal kinship in your own words.
 * 2) Religious traditions (Christianity, Islam etc) are often described as giving 'meaning to life.' How does the kinship structure in aboriginal societies help fulfill this role?
 * 3) The sophisticated nature of aboriginal kin relationships was largely ignored by European settlers until recent years. Explain why you think this was the case and describe the ultimate effects of this neglect?
 * 4) At the heart of kinship is consideration of your role within the family and the community. using two religious traditions, compare the manner in which this concept of belonging is integrated into he beliefs and practices of these religions with the way it is incorporated into the life of Aboriginal people.

**How is kinship a feature of our society?**
"Accountability Conferencing" is a system being adopted within some areas of Australian sociaety - for example, in some persons. Offenders must face their victims and/or their victim's families in a controlled situation. This process has grown out of traditinal indigenous structures.
 * 1) Explain the link between this concept and kinship.
 * 2) What are the benefits for all involved?

ceremonial life
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When considering the ceremonial life also take into consideration
 * art
 * stories ( can be found at www.dreamtime.net.au/main.htm)
 * songs
 * sacred objects
 * ceremonies
 * initiation
 * death and burial
 * cosmic balance rites
 * the Law

What is Totemism?
Respond to these questions


 * What are ancestor beings and what is their role in Aboriginal beliefs about the land?
 * Research a story of an ancestor being(s) of a specific Aboriginal group. Your research could be in the form of a painting or a ceremony.

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