The Australian Aborigines existed for 60,000 YEARS before the white man invaded. Theirs is the longest living culture known. In contrast to the Maoris in New Zealand, who have integrated into modern society, the Aborigines have stayed out. They live on reservations, speaking their many various languages, not English. Many kids don't attend school, and many adults live on government welfare. They also have serious alcohol problems, as their bodies were not used to the white man's drink.
Our guides showed us the traditional ways Aborigines in their area lived - making fire by rubbing sticks, gathering and spearing bush tucker, basket weaving and painting. We also got to sample and participate!
Cutting up kangaroo tails, which we partook of at lunch time.
More bush tucker: green ants. They have a citrus flavor!
Mom and Dad relaxing at the campsite.
At night we were treated to some traditional stories by enthusiastic 15 year old Marcus, the owner John's nephew. Better were his modern day tales of hunting in the bush, armed with cars but not guns because that's "cheating". He attends boarding school in Katherine, one hour away. He is a really fast runner (we saw him playing with some Aborigine and US teenagers). He loves and excels at playing "footy", Australian rugby. Here he is showing us his didgeridoo.
Aboriginal rock shelter painting.
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