Considerations when screening the film
Culture and responsibility to Ancestors is fundamental to Aboriginal Peoples’ wellbeing and never more so than in this time of crisis.
To ensure our People are safe and supported in discussing the return of Ancestors to Country we ask that, out of respect, screenings are undertaken in a culturally sensitive and safe environment.
Cultural awareness starts with reflecting how our own beliefs, values and behaviours impact upon the safety of others. We hope that, through this film, a deeper understanding of Aboriginal Peoples' responsibilities will be enabled. We encourage all Victorian to take this understanding and share it with your communities as one of the many steps we all take in ensuring we treat each other with compassion, appreciation and respect.
Cultural sensitivity and safety
Cultural awareness and safety are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council calls for all Victorians to affirm that:
Indigenous Peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognising the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be respected as such.
We ask that each of us recognise in ourselves, our homes, workplaces and institutions, that Indigenous Peoples have, amongst others, the Right to:
- manifest, practise, develop and teach their spiritual and religious traditions, customs and ceremonies
- maintain, protect, and have access in privacy to their religious and cultural sites
- the repatriation of their human remains.
Ensuring wellbeing
Wellbeing is fundamentally important to all of us. Whilst every care has been taken to discuss the complexities in Returning our Ancestors as sensitively as possible, it must be acknowledged that even while taking this care, there is deep sorrow and pain involved, especially for Aboriginal Peoples.
If you find these issues upsetting, please seek counselling or support through Elders, respected persons or other community members. You may also wish to contact community agencies such as Aboriginal co-operatives, Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Headspace.
If you or someone you know needs help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
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