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Aboriginal people are intensely aware of their links with the
land. Every physical feature of the land has meaning because
it was created by their Dreaming ancestors whose spirits still
inhabit the land. Every physical feature for example, valleys,
rocks and trees is a sign of their presence. Through caring
for the land and the environment, Aboriginal people are able
to establish a strong link with their Dreaming ancestors which
is the |
basis of their spirituality. "Overall, the earth is a 'Mother'
in a real sense." (Education Department of South Australia 1990:
17.) Every individual in an Aboriginal group has an obligation
to maintain and care for the land in order to protect the spirits
of their Dreaming ancestors for the generations to come. This
is the basis of land rights claims today and explains the passion
with which Aboriginal people advocate their rights to their
land. |
