Do something positive at home

There are many enjoyable ways you can do something positive in your private life to learn more about Australia's Indigenous people. Try experiencing some traditional Indigenous culture, either on holidays, in a book, or on TV. Make sure that you behave in the way you expect others to behave.

Photo by me*voila

1. Walk the Talk. Behave in the way you would like other members of your family to behave. Be open to people from all backgrounds, keep an open mind, keep up to date with facts and speak up against racism at all opportunities.
2. Broaden your horizons. Attend a play, listen to music or go to a dance performance by artists whose race or ethnicity is different from your own. This will help you to broaden your horizons, but will also support the valuable work of Indigenous artists and performers. Here's some ideas:
   • Ngapartji Ngapartji project and play
   • Bangarra Dance Theatre
   • Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA)
   • Skinny Fish music
   • Message Stick links page on the ABC website
3. Adventures with a difference. When going on a holiday in Australia, take a tour with an Indigenous operator for fun experiences that enable you to learn more about traditional culture and support Indigenous businesses.
   • Aboriginal Tourism Association has a list of registered operators for adventures and experiences within each State and Territory
   • If you are in Sydney, why not get on to Sydney’s only Aboriginal Cultural Harbour Cruise, the Tribal Warrior?
4. Open your eyes and ears. There are excellent programs and publications available that will keep you and your family informed about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and news. You will learn new things and will be entertained while supporting valuable initiatives and key resources for Indigenous Australians.
   • National Indigenous Television
   • Message Stick on ABC
   • Living Black on SBS
   • Check out the fortnightly national newspaper and a true Aboriginal success story - The Koori Mail - for news and views vital to Indigenous Australians and those interested in Indigenous affairs
   • Have a look at the National Indigenous Times to read the news from an Indigenous perspective
   • Listen to your local Indigenous radio station
5. Learn some traditional culture. Don't take our word for it – find out about traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage for yourself:
   • Frog and Toad
   • Aboriginal Australia
   • Aboriginal Art
   • Aboriginal Culture
6. Books and movies. One of the simplest ways to make a positive difference is to watch a movie or read a book by any of the many Indigenous writers, directors and actors. They often touch on the questions of culture, modern life, identity and love. Some suggestions include:
   • Liyarn Ngarn, a movie starring Archie Roach, Patrick Dodson and Pete Postlethwaite, available from ANTaR
   • Kanyini, voted "best documentary" at the London Australian Film Festival 2007. The film also has a study guide (PDF).
   • Ten Canoes - you can buy the DVD from the ABC or rent it in you local video store
   • See the critically-acclaimed Rabbit-proof Fence available from your local video store
   • Carpentaria, a book by Alexis Wright, is an epic set in the north-west Queensland and is available from ANTaR
   • Not Meeting Mr Right, a Koori chick lit novel by Anita Heiss, is available from ANTaR
7. Campaign. Take part in campaigns such as Racism Makes Me Sick. Spread the word about the campaign by wearing a T-shirt or badge, or mention it to you friends and family.

DO SOMETHING POSITIVE | At Home | At Work | At School | Within your Community | When you Shop

The Racism Makes Me Sick campaign is running in collaboration with The Body Shop, which is promoting the campaign from 21 April – 12 May 2008 as part of their commitment to defending human rights and promoting Reconciliation in Australia.