Returning to His Roots

We all feel that we want to belong. But for indigenous people belonging seems an insurmountable challenge. From Canada to Australia, from equatorial South America to the Arctic Circle, they are caught between two worlds. Their ancient culture and traditions are not valued in today's world, and they feel like outsiders in mainstream society. Dispossessed and discriminated against, too many indigenous people suffer from high rates of unemployment, poverty and substance abuse.

Jake's Story

Jake is 12 years old. He was born on Mornington Island, an isolated indigenous community off the northern coast of Australia.

Because Jake's mother was unable to care for him, he has lived with his indigenous foster mother Caroline Munns from the time he was an infant. Carolyn raised Jake in the tropical city of Cairns, which is home to many Aboriginal people. However, they recently moved to the national capital, Canberra, where very few teenagers share Jake's heritage.

Although Jake appears to be doing well both socially and academically, life has not been easy for him. He makes friends easily, plays sports and enjoys bowling, but outside the home, he suppresses a naturally outgoing personality. Since the family moved to Canberra, Jake has become self-conscious in public. He thinks he stands out at school, and at the bowling alley or the supermarket, he feels people stare.

As an adolescent, it is important for Jake to feel he belongs. Many indigenous kids struggle with identity and do not feel they belong to any community. They look and act differently to children in mainstream society, yet they have no deep connection to their own traditions, which are often denigrated. When given the chance to understand and value their heritage, kids like Jake are more likely to feel the security and validation they need to be confident, thriving teenagers.

Jake is very fortunate to have Carolyn. She is a loving mother and a strong mentor. She went through her own struggles as an indigenous adolescent, so she understands how important it is for Jake to learn about his heritage. When Jake's older half-brother Michael, who lived his whole life on Mornington Island, came to stay with them, Carolyn hoped they would learn from each other. "Michael, as I see it, has to fit into this world. He has to do it because he is going to live here," explains Carolyn. Michael was raised with knowledge of his culture. He knows his clan's dances and songs and Carolyn wants Jake to learn them too. "He does all those things that Jake hasn't yet had training to do," she says.

Michael and Jake get on very well; they go bowling with Jake's friends and share the same clothes and sense of humor. Michael is on a steep learning curve. His fell behind in his schooling on Mornington Island, which is isolated from the mainland. There are no movie theatres or shopping malls and definitely no bowling alleys. Jake felt important showing his big brother how to negotiate life in a big city. But while Michael adapted quickly and learned a lot about the mainstream world, Jake knew little about his heritage.

After nearly a year, Carolyn decided that when Michael returned to Mornington to visit his family, Jake would travel with him and find out about Aboriginal culture. She realized that this was something Jake had to do on his own. It was the first time he had been away from her, and the goodbyes were tearful.

On Mornington Island, Jake was welcomed by Michael's twin brother, Hector, and by his grandfather. Jake's excitement at meeting them was mixed with apprehension about fitting in with a family he had never really known. At first, he was too shy to talk to relatives he met for the first time. But his natural curiosity got the better of him and he quickly regained his confidence and was soon exploring the island with his many cousins.

Jake began his induction into indigenous culture by learning some of the dances and songs that are thousands of years old. For Aboriginal males, initiation into manhood is a solemn and complex process, involving ancient rituals. As an uninitiated male, Jake is not considered "a man" and therefore would not learn the secret dances and songs.

In general, Aboriginal dances tell the story of "the dreaming" or the creation. As with many aspects of Aboriginal culture, the dances are intimately linked to the earth-every tree, rock and animal is recognized.

Jake began with dances that can be performed in front of anyone. On the first try, he spent most of his time watching the other Aboriginal men and boys as they demonstrated movements. However, within a few days, he dressed with the rest of the tribe and performed the Welcome Dance in a traditional ceremony.

Jake called Carolyn to tell her about the experience. He positively glowed with excitement. He was beginning to feel pride in his heritage and confidence in himself. When kids like Jake feel a link to their own culture and understand its importance and value, they are better equipped to cope with life and face the challenges of living in a mainstream environment.

What's Next for Jake?

As he grows up, Jake will continue to face many hurdles. It is important that he values his own heritage, but it will not be easy. The modern world has little use for ancient customs and ways of living. Indigenous children all over the world face a similar challenge.

Jake is on the right path. He has an easy-going personality, strong role models, and a natural confidence that will help him during the difficult stage of adolescence. This coupled with a strong belief in the importance of his own people's traditions will help him overcome whatever discrimination he encounters throughout his life.

Presently, Jake is in Canberra attending school and living a life similar to any Australian youth. He listens to music, watches football and hangs out with schoolmates. But he also wants to maintain contact with his family on Mornington Island and hopes to return during school holidays to learn more about his heritage.

What Can You Do?

Begin by learning more about the problems and challenges other indigenous people face around the world. They have a difficult task balancing their traditional values with the demands of modern society. Too often, they suffer from discrimination, isolation, poverty and substance abuse. In an attempt to improve the plight of indigenous peoples, the UN proclaimed 1995-2004 the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. The goal: to raise awareness about their situation and increase international efforts to resolve their problems. Three entities in the UN system focus on indigenous issues: the Working Group on Indigenous Populations develops standards to improve their situation; the Special Rapporteur investigates violations of their rights; and the permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues gives them a voice on the global stage.

To learn more about the situation in Australia visit these sites: The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and the Aboriginal Social Justice Commission that work to help indigenous people and children.