In Australian Aboriginal culture, life is based on a foundation of beliefs which are called the Dreamtime, or The Dreaming. This is a complex set of ideas with deep levels of meanings. The Dreamtime has four parts: The beginning of everything; the life and power of the ancestors; the way of life and death; and power in life. Dreamtime was all four of these things at the same time because it is more powerful than time and space. In it all things exist at once. The Aboriginal peoples call Dreamtime the all-at-once time because they think it is the past, present, and future at the same time. It is a beginning that has no end.
They meet The Dreamtime by doing special dances and singing special songs. Aboriginals believe that people have a part of them that will live forever. This part existed before a person was born and will exist after they die. It exists in The Dreamtime.
Dust Echoes is a series of twelve beautifully animated Dreamtime stories from Central Arnhem Land. These are stories of love, loyalty, duty to Country, and Aboriginal custom and law. Each chapter is supported by in-depth study guides created by ATOM, addressing the cross-curriculum priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Continue reading “Dust Echoes – Indigenous Storytelling”
During this time of tragedy and mourning, it can be difficult to speak to children about what is happening. Depending on their age, they may be hearing or seeing frightening things on the news, at home, at school, or online. Children often find out news on their smart-phones, before parents know. As caregivers, it is important to both shield our children from trauma while providing skills to cope with fear and anxiety.
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