Well here I go again swimming up hill, against the tide of political clap trap.
Separation in south Africa was racist.
Here we hide behind Aboriginal culture as a reason for shanty towns that breed hopelessness.
I could put a very solid case that our separation is racist too.
It could be debated it is a way to keep these people down.
I point to people with two cultures from every country in the world, who now live here.
Not one of those cultures keep poverty and hopelessness alive as much as missions do.
Aboriginals can both keep culture and live better but [sorry mate] Suzie online an those who think like her are not helping.
We few if any of us, understand sometimes people need help must have help to develop a culture of self help.
How many, truly, Aboriginals would want to go back to pre white man stone age existance.
And if they did? if we left would those who followed us be any different.
I demand equality for our first Australians, but not forever blaming yesterday for today.

What always intrigues me about these suggestions is that it always falls on someone else to do the hard yards. Inevitably that becomes school children who should shoulder the burden and for what benefit to them?

The opportunity is always there for those who would like lost languages 'preserved' to get off their posteriors and learn the languages themselves. I do the same for history by putting time and money into a historic house and oral history.

Few people realise what is involved in offering a new subject at school. Also, those who would suggest changes to the school curriculum usually don't see why students and parents should have an input as well.

Dear Alex (Occidental Christian),

If you google:

"Aboriginal Languages in Australian Schools,"
You'll get quite a few websites that may
be of interest to you.

Here's just one:

http://www.alrrc.nsw.gov.au/

You have raised a very important subject.
Because to teach Aboriginal languages in
Australia would give the younger generation
a greater sense of self esteem, identity
and pride in who they are, where they came
from and a direction of where they should
be going.

The preservation of languages is so important.
It's a direct link to one's culture and ancestry.

cont'd ...

I was raised in a multi-lingual home.
I attended "Saturday Language School"
as did my children, who today speak
several languages. To me that is
quite acceptable and normal and it's
something in our house, that we take
for granted.

Languages have made a huge difference in
our lives both when travelling overseas,
and inter-acting with different people.

It broadens one's horizons - and makes one
appreciate the world through many different
perspectives.

Well, interesting posts! Thank you all.
I have mentioned the Maori in New Zealand to say that the kind action in New Zealand cannot be copied to Australia. In New Zealand nationwide policies can be carried out because they only have Maori as single indigenous language. This is never practicable in Australia as well as in other "newland countries". The state gouvernments can only create supportive conditions and laws against evident discriminations. More detailed indigenous policies in Australia can only be determined by town and city councils. For example, I would suggest that indigenous languages are given official status by local administrations. In areas with high presence of speakers of indigenous languages English/indigenous bilingualism should actually be normal.
Yes, the preservation and revitalization of regional languages concerns many European countries. Many steps forward have been made in most European countries. Negative examples in Europe are Greece, Germany, my own country and to some extent France. When I look at other European countries, I am indeed ashamed about few popular and political support for regional languages in Germany.

Segregation on a voluntar base to a certain degree is certainly favourable for preserving the own identity. The model of former South Africa is however determined by disrespect and discriminatory actions. In a civilized society respectful contacts as between neighbours within the comprehensive state are the right way.

At ALGOREisRICH:
I also notice widespread christophobia today. I think that honest missionaries have to respect the culture and feelings of indigenous people as well as others. We have to differentiate between missionaries who were hidden colonialists with destructive results and those who have done their best to defend indigenous people and their culture.
One question to you: Are there examples where tribal traditions have been kept by modifying them according to christian values and needs similar to what has happened in Europe long ago?
And we Europeans have not lost our identity after having become Christians. It has even become a definitive part of our culture.

Alex

Runner <" Do you know what the life expectancy of aboriginals were prior to the missionaries arriving"?

No, and neither do you.

What I do know is that missionaries brought foreign foods, colds, influenza, measles and tuberculosis with them, along with their preaching, causing vast numbers of deaths amongst their new 'converts'.

Their life expectancy continues to be much less today than other Australians because of all the foods and diseases brought into this country by the European invaders of the day.

The Aboriginal nation existed for some 40,000 years before the European settlers arrived, so they managed just fine with their own culture and beliefs.