Hello!

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?


Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • I’m not aboriginal. But just wanted to say I think you are amazing for wanting to help the kids embrace their culture.


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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.


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join