Asia's Indigenous

Big Picture

• Indigenous peoples are culturally and linguistically diverse and have different colonial histories 

• Indigenous peoples should be understood within their own histories, cultures and contexts - not treated as one universal group 

• Looking internationally can create opportunities for Indigenous peoples to learn from and contribute to one another's recognition and practices 

Indigenous Asia and Diversity 

• Indigenous communities extend across Asia, Russia and into Nordic regions 

- Many have experienced colonization 

• Indonesia illustrates major linguistic and cultural diversity 

• Language diversity reflects cultural diversity 

Australia's Connections with Asia 

• Aboriginal peoples had contact with Asia before British colonisation 

• Makassan traders travelled to northern Australia for fishing and trade 

• Routes included Marege' (Arnhem Land) and Kayu Jawa (Kimberley) 

• Historical photographs and descendants in Indonesia show long-standing Makassan-Aboriginal relationships 

Cultural Exchange and Continuity 

• Yolngu communities, including Milingimbi, continue weaving mats, baskets and designs linked to knowledge exchanged with Makassan traders 

• Cultural exchange can become incorporated into living cultural practices and continue across generations 

Differences in reported Indigenous life 

May partly reflect different definitions, data quality and methods - not only real health differences 

Ainu - Japan 

Indigenous people associated particularly with Hokkaido and surrounding historical territories