What we Americans can learn from Australians?

According to UN, there are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.

Last week, August 9th was the International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People as recognized by the UN since 1982. This weekend I was reflecting on it and my trips to Australia participating in their beautiful custom of recognition of indigenous people at the start of any event. In the U.S., most of our land belonged to the natives Indian tribes not so long ago. Just in my home state of California, the 1850 Act?and subsequent amendments made it legal to remove California Indians from their traditional lands, separating at least a generation of children and adults from their families, languages, and cultures (1850 to 1865), and indenturing Indian children and adults to Whites.

The United States can learn several valuable lessons from Australia's custom of acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and honoring them at the start of any public event. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Recognition of Indigenous People: Australia's acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land is a powerful symbol of recognizing and honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. The United States can learn from this practice by embracing a similar approach for all public events to acknowledge the Native American tribes and Indigenous communities whose lands have been inhabited for thousands of years.
2. Cultural Respect and Reconciliation: Recognizing the traditional owners of the land demonstrates a commitment to cultural respect and reconciliation. It acknowledges the ongoing presence and significance of Indigenous cultures in contemporary society, fostering understanding and appreciation for their heritage. The United States can benefit from adopting similar practices to promote healing, understanding, and solidarity with Indigenous communities.
3. Land Stewardship and Environmental Awareness: Australia's acknowledgment of traditional owners also highlights the importance of land stewardship and environmental awareness. Indigenous peoples have a deep connection to the land and have often served as custodians of their territories for generations. Embracing this custom can encourage a greater focus on environmental sustainability and Indigenous perspectives on conservation in the United States.
4. Education and Awareness: Publicly acknowledging the traditional owners of the land at events raises awareness among the general population about the history and continued presence of Indigenous peoples. This practice can inspire conversations, promote cultural education, and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. The United States can use similar acknowledgments to foster greater understanding, inclusivity, and appreciation for Native American cultures.

By adopting the custom of acknowledging traditional owners and honoring them at the start of public events as the Australians do, we Americans can take significant steps toward acknowledging and celebrating the Indigenous heritage and contributions, fostering reconciliation, and building stronger connections with Native American tribes and Indigenous communities.