From Aunty!

Back to basics – culture to steer Aboriginal youth in the right direction

By Justin Huntsdale

This week a group of Indigenous youth have been part of a three day camp designed to get them away from unemployment and give them confidence in themselves.

We know culture and tradition are especially important for Aboriginal people, and one young Indigenous man from Wellington thinks today’s youth need more of it.

In fact, he says by just teaching traditional culture and stories to Aboriginal youth, it will be enough to turn them away from substance abuse and crime.

This week Chris Dunning from the Central West Catchment Management Authority has taken a group of young Aboriginal people for a three-day camp at the Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre.

The focus is on bringing the kids back to their roots and giving them self-confidence.

“There’s a lot of behind the scenes stuff that causes the anti-social behaviour in the town and for us it’s all about teaching the kids respect for themselves, elders, community and the land,” Chris said.

“We wanted to give the young Aboriginal kids a sense of identity and a strong belief in their culture.

“One of the big things for me was to learn about our culture and the more I did that, the more confident I got and the more I found out I’ve missed out in life and I wanted to include it for other kids so they can get that experience.”

http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/06/17/3246805.htm?site=westernplains