We could lose the oldest culture on our planet | Amy Toensing | TEDxCarnegieLake

Hi Amy, thank you for creating this talk and sharing your experiences in Australia. Being taught so little about Aboriginal Australians in school, it didn't create curiosity - we stood in ignorance of its importance. It wasn't until I set off on a personal three year journey of discovery within Australia did I begin to learn through a multitude of connections and conversations which sparked an avid curiosity (and continue) to learn more. I began to understand how vital Australian Aboriginal cultures and history is to humanity's past, present and future. We need to make it a priority to preserve, educate and elevate to all. Humans are part of nature - if we continue to destroy nature, we will ultimately destroy ourselves.

Aboriginal cultures are treasures indeed. They can teach the rest of us how to restore balance to Mother Earth.

This is why I started International United Native Nation 510 to bring indigenous and aboriginal people together, to strengthen their culture and to help preserve it.  We can't do very much as individuals, but we become strengthened when we are together.

There is more than one Australian Aboriginal culture - when the first fleet of colonists arrived it is believed there were more than 550 DIFFERENT language groups. In other words, there were 550 DIFFERENT countries/cultural groups. We have different languages, styles of artwork, dance, food, songs, Stories, rites and rituals etc etc depending on where our families are from. And then there are the many different nations of Torres Strait Islanders - that is many different cultures. Nothing offends us more than being referred to as ONE culture. It is more respectful to learn where we are from and to refer to us by those names - not as "Aboriginals'. For example, my family is from Wiradjuri country (NSW Riverina area) so I am a WIradjuri woman. My friend's family is from Kamilaroi country (Tamworth, NSW), so she is a Kamilaroi Woman. Please be respectful of that, and don't be just another whitefella telling stories about us without even understanding the basics about who we are and how we live. Each of our cultures is as different from one another's cultures as they are different to your culture.

I had an emotional breakdown after seeing this video. Australian Aborigines, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep up this good work. I want to see more Aboriginal culture. How can the government call your culture as "Entertainment"? Your culture is a living proof of how humans lived 60000 years ago. Aboriginals have the most ancient genes, and culture is very nature loving, not like mainstream ones. THIS IS NOTHING LESS THAN A WORLD WIDE TREASURE.

We still strong people ✊🏿 dw about that

Wonderful talk. Thank you

Thank you

7 years ago! She is openly speaking about the disparity that exists as a result of colonisation. Wish she could come here and speak in parliament. I’m aboriginal by the way. This is very refreshing and shows how backwards it is here at times. If this had been an Aus Ted Talk the comment section would be a absolutely deplorable.

I agree. Hopefully our Govt now is moving towards this way of thinking...finally. with strong community support and the protection of a treaty the future for aboriginal Australia will be bright.

Thank you 🖤💛♥️

The story of the indigenous peoples of the Americas as well. How are human beings treated like this?! SICKENING.

thank you

Wow. She knows everything!

All our ancestors would tell us that we are One. Let’s remember history, learn from it, and don’t repeat our past mistakes. Let’s respect the wisdom of our indigenous peoples, now matters where from. Let’s take care of Mother Earth the best we can, and teach next generations to appreciate and respect one another. Thank you Amy Toensing for the time you took to make this video, thank you all for your comments, as this is how we keep learning.

Hi fabulous information, but why is there people talking in the background and someone taking photographs annoying camera shutter noise thanks

Thanks a Lot , so important ..... how long , how many Years are we still disconnected ????

Support the homeland initiatives and let the native people of Australia determine their own fate without white interference. If they want aid, they'll ask for it, but until that day, return what was stolen and back off. No churches, no treaties, no white law. Only the first people of that land.

16:36 ❤

Our Culture goes deep than the deep blue sea. We see things that white people never see in reality. Our Ancestors tells us who we are and what we are and why we are. The world only knows half of it. You travel to Australia and go to the North and you will see what we see when you step into our strong laws. You would be not speaking of it because you will be changed and you will act different. So before you know our Culture is going come to where it all starts and we will tell you straight to your face. That our oldest living culture will never DIE! it's impossible. White people have never seen the full story because we don't share it because we all know white people are like. We only tell some of what we want to share with you.Because if we step over our laws there will be very serious consequences!! That's why we never change our laws like the white people do.