The Canberra Times 22/08/2000
Letters
Problems a result of past attitudes
I AM WRITING in response to E. E. Cooks letter ''Nothing gained by
dwelling on the past'' (CT, August 16, p.12). I am an Indigenous
woman who is trying to make something of her life and contribute to
the improvement of Aboriginal health and wellbeing. I am currently
studying for my Health Education degree. I find this increasingly
difficult because of the disastrous effect colonisation has had on my
people. I am constantly attending funerals of family and friends in my
community. The cause of the deaths includes diabetes, heart attacks,
suicide and drug over-doses. At this time I am grieving for my
15-year-old nephew who I helped raise. I believe that this precious
child's tragic death from a drug over-dose is the result of being an
Aboriginal affected by the Stolen Generations. My people come from
an old and deeply spiritual culture which existed for thousands of
years. In the last 200 years it has nearly been destroyed because of
the attitude that it was ''Stone Age''. For 200 years we have been led
to believe that we came from the lowest form of life and an
embarrassment on Australian society. Yet before colonisation it
thrived. Since our culture is not valued, our children are turning more
and more to drugs which for them seems to provide escapism and
meaning. When I read your letter I was saddened that we are blamed
for our awful plight. Why would a community choose to be constantly
grieving for loved ones? We do not need condemnation we need
compassionate help from our fellow Australians. Although I do not
blame E. E. Cook for my grief, this country's social conscience will
never be at peace until the past injustices towards Indigenous people
are acknowledged.
ROSLYN BROWN
Hackett
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