Hello My Dear Great Ones,
Like in Canada, Australia has an indigenous population called the Aborigines. Like the indians in Canada the Aborigines were severely mistreated by the first European settlers to Australia. As a result, like in Canada, the Aborigines have suffered great identity dysfunction, poor physical and mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, low education, high unemployment, and a host of other terrible problems.
Yet, the impression I got in Australia is that European/Australians are trying to rectify the great wrongs there forefathers did to the Aborigines. Mainly they are trying to show them respect and dignity and I believe it is helping transform Australian society for the better. One huge example of this new respect is that the Aboriginal flag is flown often beside the Australian flag.
Several years ago the Australian government, led by the Prime Minister, apologized on behalf of all Australians to the Aborigines for the crimes they did against them. Amazing! At the capital building in Canberra there is a permanent display of Aboriginal art and portraits of Aborigines who have made significant contributions to Australian society and culture. I believe this approach: showing demonstrations of respect and dignity to their Aborigine brothers and sisters has facilitated great change for the better in Australian society. Something Canada should look into.
In South Africa the integration of white and black students in schools is radically changing that society, ravished from decades of Apartheid, for the better. Kids are growing up there loving and respecting all people. Respect, dignity, love, everything that Jesus is about, will win in the end, and help a society heal, grow and become peaceful and healthy. Amen
Some portraits of Aborigines who served in the Australian government.
Have a great week everyone!
Love adios and ping on!
Dirk
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