Proppa Stories
Protocols
Sorry Business
‘Sorry Business’ is a term sometimes used by Aboriginal Peoples to describe the passing or death of an Aboriginal person. Aboriginal Peoples often have a cultural obligation to attend funerals of family, relations and Elders. It is important for the University and its staff to recognise that the poor health status of Aboriginal Peoples coupled with the wide kinship networks that constitute family will mean that Aboriginal Peoples will attend and be involved in many funerals, with varying degrees of obligation.
These obligations may require support and understanding of the responsibilities Aboriginal staff and students have. Aboriginal staff might require support and time to participate and to meet cultural obligations involving Sorry Business.
Some Aboriginal Peoples may have a protocol for when someone passes, that is, the use of their name, image and voice may no longer be used. Families may retract this at a time appropriate to them. Compliance with Aboriginal protocols should be respected and followed.
‘Sorry Business’ is a term sometimes used by Aboriginal Peoples to describe the passing or death of an Aboriginal person. Aboriginal Peoples often have a cultural obligation to attend funerals of family, relations and Elders. It is important for the University and its staff to recognise that the poor health status of Aboriginal Peoples coupled with the wide kinship networks that constitute family will mean that Aboriginal Peoples will attend and be involved in many funerals, with varying degrees of obligation.
These obligations may require support and understanding of the responsibilities Aboriginal staff and students have. Aboriginal staff might require support and time to participate and to meet cultural obligations involving Sorry Business.
Some Aboriginal Peoples may have a protocol for when someone passes, that is, the use of their name, image and voice may no longer be used. Families may retract this at a time appropriate to them. Compliance with Aboriginal protocols should be respected and followed.
In the event of a death, it is important to acknowledge that Aboriginal Peoples have different practices for Sorry Business. It is important that the University acknowledge different practices and should consult with Traditional Owners for the most appropriate and respectful response to the passing of an Elder or significant community member.
Smoking Ceremonies
Aboriginal Peoples have a holistic view of health and wellbeing. The health of an Aboriginal person’s connection to Country, community, culture, kinship, spirituality, as well as their physical and mental health, contribute to their wellbeing. Smoking ceremonies are used by Aboriginal Peoples for cleansing and renewing People and the Land. Smoking ceremonies should be conducted by Traditional Owners who have specialised cultural knowledge. It is important to seek appropriate advice and assistance from Traditional Owners.
Aboriginal Peoples have a holistic view of health and wellbeing. The health of an Aboriginal person’s connection to Country, community, culture, kinship, spirituality, as well as their physical and mental health, contribute to their wellbeing. Smoking ceremonies are used by Aboriginal Peoples for cleansing and renewing People and the Land. Smoking ceremonies should be conducted by Traditional Owners who have specialised cultural knowledge. It is important to seek appropriate advice and assistance from Traditional Owners.
Men’s and Women’s Business
‘Men’s and Women’s Business’ is commonly understood as the practice of men and women discussing gender-specific issues separately. This is only one aspect of Men’s and Women’s Business. In Aboriginal cultures there are certain knowledges, practices, customs and places which are gender specific.
‘Men’s and Women’s Business’ is commonly understood as the practice of men and women discussing gender-specific issues separately. This is only one aspect of Men’s and Women’s Business. In Aboriginal cultures there are certain knowledges, practices, customs and places which are gender specific.
Men’s and Women’s Business refers to these gender-based practices collectively. Respect for gender balance, and men’s business/law and women’s business/law should be acknowledged and not trivialised. A form of Aboriginal authority is aligned with the maintenance of non-hierarchical processes where men and women are equal, and Elders have authority.
For more information, please refer to Yurirka: Proppa Engagement with Aboriginal Peoples