Originally posted by drdonCathy Freeman, yes I forgot about her.
Many Rugby League stars, past and present are Aboriginal. Other sporting arenas also have many prominent Aboriginal people (eg Cathy Freeman who so proudly wore the Australian and Koori flags). Alas not many cricketers!)
I think it helps "lost" races as such when they achieve well in societies, where sports is good way to claim back identity.
I also think they need a say within the governments, as other people well normally take ignorance or lack understanding to help their needs.
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Originally posted by drdonI don't follow much politics, but I've never really heard of any Aboriginal people in parliament.
Names like Ella (all of them... a tribe in themselves) come to mind. They make great role models for Aboriginal Youth. Rugby League in particular is as popular among Kooris as it is among the Maori. Unfortunately, there are few Kooris in either state or federal parliaments.
NZ Maori do well in many areas, which I guess is due to the strong emphasis they had/have placed on Whanau(family). It's different for Aboriginal people as the distances between them was great, making big families which could stick together near on impossible, and the ensuing hopelessness resulting in drinking meths or what have you.
NZ Maori have a good representation within parliament, which I guess is the key to them gaining movement over recent years. They have people in there who know about the situations and care. Some of them may not have the greatest intellect, but they have insight which is valued 10 fold.