What are the advantages for the boy and his people in following their cultural beliefs?
It gives them an identity and a sense of belonging. Their stories from long ago, about spirits and ancestors, explain how geographical features were formed and how the spirits are part of the land itself. (This is illustrated in the story p.87-88).
The boy who tells the story is supported through his belief and trust in the frog spirit, girragundgi, who acts as a conscience and gives him the right advice. He also receives support through his extended Aboriginal family - a large network of cousins, aunties and uncles.
What could happen if a person loses contact with their culture?
What happened to Sister-Girl is the end result of this lost contact with culture. The night after the funeral, the kids down on the beach are"walking the same path that leads to Sister-Girl's grave". (p. 63) They bond together in a negative way, using cigarettes and alcohol, instead of relying on their culture to see them through the hard times.
The adults are not much better. After the funeral, they are not there for the kids. Instead they are "drinking and sobbing and fighting and hugging" in "a night stretched long with breaking hearts". (p.58) The adults are not finding strength in their culture but in alcohol and the kids have to fend for themselves.
If a person loses contact with their culture they become confused, isolated, frightened and they would lose their sense of self. Shandell is on this road but thanks to the Binna Binna man and her community including her cus, her life is turned around and it is like she is reborn. "...she looks as new as a shoot of grass just pushed through the heavy earth..." p. 85
The Jimmyboyz
Questions for Boori and Meme
1. What is the name of the boy telling the story?
2. Has Boori seen the Binna Binna man?
3. Do you think Aboriginal people are losing contact with their culture? What solutions do you see to this?
