Originally posted by BlueMark
What a lot of people do not realise is that Koori culture is very different to White culture. To them family is everything and whatever an indivivual has is also his also thier communties. The social structure is unbelievably complex and one that I am still getting a grip of.
What I do know is that when I enter thier community I first shake the hand of the male elders and then hug and kiss the female elders. Then I can talk to the other community members. It is really about giving and recieving respect.
Doesn't it cut both ways?
I've heard a few interviews with elders who are disgusted with some of things the young folk do, but seem unable to do anything.