Great Territory Lifestyle. A Territory Government InitiativeThe Oldest Living Culture on Earth
The Territory is fortunate to be home to the oldest living culture on earth, that is the culture of our traditional land owners, the Indigenous people of Australia. The Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous people of any state or territory in Australia, with over 30 per cent of the population.
Aboriginal cultures in the Territory are rich, complex, diverse and very much alive, they date back at least 50Â 000 years, some argue closer to 65 000 years.
Aboriginal people identify themselves through their land areas, their relationship to others, their relationship to nature, their language and stories. These facets of culture may be expressed through ceremony, the arts, family, religion, and sport.
Cultural heritage is kept alive by being passed from one generation to the next through arts, rituals and performances. Aboriginal people tell their stories, speak and teach Indigenous languages, protect cultural materials, and look after sacred and significant sites and objects. As an example, currently the Territory government’s Aboriginal Interpreter Service has interpreters for over 100 Aboriginal languages, 15 of these are most commonly used.
The recognition of Indigenous culture and its retention in our community is highly valued by the Territory government; it is an integral part of who we are. Just a few of the activities that are supported by the Territory Government through services and funding include:
- The Tiwi Islands Annual Australian Football Grand Final and Art Sale
- Provision of Aboriginal Interpreter Services
- The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards
- Iconic festivals such as the Garma and Barunga festivals
- Northern Territory Indigenous music awards
Keeping Aboriginal culture alive and thriving is an important part of our Great Territory Lifestyle.
