This is for the Aboriginal mums, dads and extended folies

I’m not an aboriginal woman. I have aboriginal step children full time, and sadly, other them their maternal pop, on their aboriginal side, they get no culture. Pop helps us a great deal (my partners former father inlaw) with culture but he’s off protesting alot these days and I’m stumped at what I can do with them, with out being disrespectful to culture.

My sisters partner (aboriginal man) abused me when I talked about doing aboriginal art, or letting the kids paint me in ochre or me them. Apparently I’m not allowed to do this? It’s disrespectful? I was looking up local language, local sights, but I’m confused as what I’m allowed to do. Pop said go ahead and get deep into culture and its important that non aboriginals get involved and educate themselves, but my sisters partner feels I’m over stepping and I’m taking away that culture as I’m not an aboriginal woman, and that they should be shown from their own mob. They are 8 hrs away from country.

So, do I just get in and educate my babies or am I being wrong and disrespectful?

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- - cherz said
  - 14 Sep 2021
    4:15 pm
Visit your local Aboriginal Culture Centre for advice.
Source out books, recipes, crafts and TV shows, videos etc.
Google is also your friend.
All the very best to you.
- - mom324778 said
  - 01 Sep 2021
    11:50 am
I love that you want them to know about there culture and in my opinion you should do it I’m aboriginal and in school had “white people” teach me alot about my culture it is better to be taught about it then for it to be forgotten.
- - tea4tee said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    6:40 am
It’s great that you’re wanting to get them to know their culture. Some places have First Nation people who educate members of the public to learn more about ATSI culture. Some that I have heard of are Ngutana-Lui in Brisbane, or Delta Kay in the Northern NSW region. It may take a bit of searching but there are a lot of First Nation people who want to share their culture with others in a way that respects them and their culture.
- - Dockerchic said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    12:37 am
I’m not aboriginal. But just wanted to say I think you are amazing for wanting to help the kids embrace their culture.
- - BellaB said
  - 24 Jul 2021
    5:53 pm
Look, I’m not Indigenous. But I do have a number of Indigenous friends and acquaintances, and, like your family, they tend to have different opinions about this sort of thing. I don’t think there is a right answer. I would encourage you to do your best to teach your step children about their culture, and I commend you for making the effort. I think most people would appreciate that you’re doing your best and mean no harm.
- - mom80165 said
  - 24 Jul 2021
    3:42 pm
There are shows on tv they can watch I’m sure you can buy books you will have to look into it to see what you can get.
- - mom474571 said
  - 24 Jul 2021
    10:35 am
There is many ways you can without being disrespectful. Read them books on their culture, let them watch aboriginal children show. Find aboriginal
Recipes and cook some food.
- - Ellen said
  - 21 Jul 2021
    3:59 am
We can’t please everyone, can we ?
Think you have to choose who’s opinion weighs heavier for you; their Pop (who’s close & involved) or you sister’s partner (who’s 8 hrs away).
Personally I would be inclined to take the Pop’s opinion more serious 1 because he’s close & involved 2 because there is the connection of the blood line (there’s actually no blood line with the partner of your sister).
Alternatively you could contact the local Aboriginal Culture center for advice, education and support.
The fact you’re considering these matters shows already your respect and intentions; don’t doubt that.