First People 1

Aboriginal people have their own explanation for the creation of their world and about how people should live in it. The creation time is known as the Dreaming. An Aboriginal person's Dreaming is the place where the spirit he or she identifies with was conceived, born, or carried out much of its work, and to where it eventually returns when the person dies. Ancestral Beings were the spirits who shaped the earth and passed on rules to the people. There were many all-powerful creation beings in different regions throughout Australia. Some important Ancestral Beings travelled long distances and became part of the shared heritage of many groups. Different groups were linked by Dreaming 'tracks' and often shared stories and ceremonies. The spirit powers of Ancestral Beings operate from certain (sacred) sites. People activate the spirit powers through ritual and thereby keep in touch with the spiritual world. Spiritual beliefs are part of all aspects of life throughout Aboriginal Australia. Spirit activities founded in the Dreaming continue today - everywhere. Evidence of the Dreaming is seen in the presence of landmarks and life-forms, and the Aboriginal people hold right of possession to this land. Groups knew and claimed rights to specific areas, the resources of which they sometimes shared. They participated in joint ceremonies or exchanges, after such trips and meetings had been properly arranged. Aboriginal Australians upheld rules, the Law, in many ways. Errant behaviour could take many forms, including breaking prohibitions concerning sacred things, offending relatives and not fulfilling obligations. Disputes could occur during every day camp-life. Reciprocity involved the idea of reprisals in response to any wrong done. Alienating, 'pointing the bone' and 'singing' to wrong-doers were part of life. Spiritual and physical health and well-being were sought, in using natural remedies from vegetation, and in charms and powers of the 'clever-man'. It was an all-encompassing world. Going unannounced and unexpectedly into another group's 'home country' was dangerous. Death could result from causing dire wrongs, such as disclosing the nature of secret sacred objects. If combat occurred it was often conducted in a 'ceremonial' way to give the offended party an opportunity to gain satisfaction and regain respect.