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Podcast Page - Banner Title

Death, Dreaming, and Community: Aboriginal Funeral Traditions Unveiled

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3rd October 2024

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About this episode

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the heart of Aboriginal funeral traditions with Kaneesha Wise from the Aboriginal Advancement League and the Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service. Kaneesha shares powerful insights into the cultural significance of Aboriginal funerals, the challenges faced by families, and the vital role of community support in honouring the deceased.

From the importance of returning to Country for a proper burial to the intricate beliefs surrounding the journey to the Dreaming, Kaneesha paints a vivid picture of Aboriginal death customs. She emphasises the holistic approach taken by Aboriginal organisations in supporting not just the individual, but the entire family network during times of loss. Kaneesha also opens up about her personal experiences with grief, sharing touching anecdotes about keeping loved ones' memories alive through simple yet meaningful gestures.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared. 

Take care,

Catherine

Show notes

Guest Bio
Podcast Guest - Image
Kaneesha Wise

Wemba-Wemba/ Nari-Nari Women from the Aboriginal Advancement League and the Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Services

Kaneesha (middle), with Mia (the one in the orange) and La'Kira.

Kaneesha Wise proud Wemba-Wemba/ Nari-Nari women, mother of 4, 3 beautiful girls 16yrs, 12yrs, 4yrs and a beautiful baby boy 2yrs.

Kaneesha explains: "I have 2 sisters, 8 nieces and nephews. Come from a long line of strong connections to family, culture and Country.  I am a single mum after I lost my partner 2 and half years ago unexpectedly, I works 2 jobs and play and coach netball with both Narrm Angels and the Fitzroy Stars. 

I have been at the Aborigines Advancement League for 12 going on 13 years and have been in several positions throughout these years. Home and community Care, Regional Assessment, Development Officer, Funeral service officer, Jobs Victoria Aboriginal Officer and currently the Elders Support Care Co-Ordinator. 

The AAL was started in 1957 and is still going strong in supporting our community. We have several units (ATAR Aboriginal Tenants at risk, Family Support, CHSP Commonwealth home support program including the Lawn Maintenance Team and Home Support, First Nations Assessment Team, Gurwidj Neighbourhood house, VAFS Victorian aboriginal Funeral Service. 

The funeral service has been supporting the Aboriginal community since the 1970's but has been programmed at the AAL since 1995"

Summary

Key Takeaways:

  • The Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service provides culturally strong, community-based funerals and support for grieving families
  • Aboriginal funeral traditions often involve Smoking ceremonies, gum leaves, and totems to help the deceased's journey to the Dreaming
  • Financial challenges are a significant hurdle for many Aboriginal families in providing proper funerals
  • Community support and presence are more valuable than material offerings during times of loss
  • The importance of talking about deceased loved ones to keep their memory alive, especially for young children
  • The Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service needs community support to continue providing essential services

Transcript

1
00:00:01,520 --> 00:00:02,910
There's people that bring flowers.

2
00:00:02,910 --> 00:00:03,990
There's people that give money.

3
00:00:04,030 --> 00:00:07,630
There's people that will buy
somebody something that they need.

4
00:00:07,660 --> 00:00:11,120
But I feel that at the end
of the day, the materialistic

5
00:00:11,159 --> 00:00:12,409
kind of stuff doesn't matter.

6
00:00:12,860 --> 00:00:13,540
It's your presence.

7... Read More

Resources

Resources Mentioned:

 

 

  • Aboriginal Advancement League. Provides various support services for the Aboriginal community. Find out more here: https://aal.org.au/ 

 

  • My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

 

  • Support Services
    If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

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