Hi all: For years in Oz I have been a storyteller to young children, and have come across many Koori (Aboriginals of Australia) Stories. To put it in different words but with the same meaning as Gil's message, to know and understand this culture is to know that the stories are not ours. As much as these stories stir deep within me, they are not mine to tell.
There has been a long drawn out struggle by the Aboriginals of this country to obtain the rights to their work. For example every other artist was covered by copyright, but not the Aboriginals of Australia. You do not hear much of this, and I am unaware if they are still fighting for such rights. Having lived equal amounts of time in Australia and Canada, there is something I notice about these societies, perhaps it is their youngness, or how they came about, but they seem to be lacking in their own beliefs and cling to many others that are unearthed. It is a gift for us all to learn of these beliefs and ways, and they do feel very much like forgotten treasures that have been found. Even with this, to understand that they are not ours to tell, is to give the respect their culture deserves. Bidding all a wonderful day or evening, as the mists rise from the valleys full of light and essence to a beautiful new day. Love and Light Liz
