Marriage Arrangement

Questions to consider What are the facts about marriage arrangements in First Nations cultures? What is a promised wife in First Nations culture? Is it customary for a First Nations man to have multiple partners? Today, Marriage Arrangement system is still in common in some parts of Australia. A girl can be betrothed before she […]

Totems

Questions to consider What are the facts about totems? What does having a totem mean? Why are they important to First Nations people? Totems play a significant role in as they connect dreamtime and spirituality; the universe, the land, and each other. Each person is associated with at least four totems, which represent by person: […]

Skin Groups

Questions to consider What are the skin groups? How does the skin groups govern the people? What does “wrong skin” mean in culture? The skin groups help identify what their main links with nature are: Totemic affiliations Dreamtime stories Potential marriage partners Everyday behaviour patterns Did you know? Though very different, skin groups can be […]

Moieties

Questions to consider What are the rules of moieties? Why are moieties in cultures? Why are moieties important in culture? How do moieties split the community? In the First Nations worldview, there are two moieties, they are two halves of one whole. The worldview is holistic. All knowledge is interconnected. Did you know? “Moiety” is […]

Classificatory Terms

Questions to consider What is the First Nations system of classification? How does the classification system work in First Nations cultures? Identify what are the appropriate terms used when working with First Nations peoples? Classification systems, refer to factors related to one’s status in the kinship these include: Age Gender Hierarchy Blood ties Social status […]

Kinships

Questions to consider What is the kinship structure? How does kinship impact peoples interactions? What are the kinship obligations, responsibilities, and behaviours toward each other? The Kinship provides care and assistance to other people especially the Elders and children, thereby ensuring everyone taken care of. The kinship system plays a crucial role in strengthening shared […]