Running Head: Kristy Snell EDU10005.

ASS1: Snapshot biography David Gulpilil and Eddie Mabo are two Indigenous Australian role models that have contributed to Australian society through achievements in areas of the arts, education, government and history. Both men offer insight into their diverse upbringings and dedication to their desired outcomes for themselves as individuals and Indigenous communities within Australia. Through formal acknowledgement, awards, education, campaigning and interactions

within communities and society Indigenous Australians such as Gulpilil and Mabo through their life events and experiences have shaped their contributions to Australian society through Indigenous perspectives. David Gulpilil (1953- not yet deceased) an accomplished and skilful hunter, tracker and ceremonial dancer upon his arrival in Maningrida located in the North East Arnhem land of Australia (Adams, 2001). When Gulpilil became of age he joined the Mandipingu tribe, belonging to the Yolngu Culture. He made his debut at age 15 in 1970 in the film Walkabout (Adams, 2001). Walkabout lead to Gulpilils fluency in English, adding to his list of fluency in various tribal languages. His service to the arts was acknowledged with the Australia Medal in 1987 (McGuirk, 2002). David Gulpilil won the $50,000 Red Ochre Award for the Australia Council's National Indigenous Arts Award held at the Sydney Opera House. His son nominated him for the award acknowledging that his father's contribution to the aboriginal arts for over 40 years is immeasurable (Yenko, 2013). Gulpilil performed a tribal dance for the Queen at the Sydney Opera House in 1973 (Yenko, 2013). He was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in the 2001 Queen's new years honors list, for his services to Australian society through dance and acting (IMD, 2013). Gulpilils ceremonial dancing led him to win four times in the most celebrated Darwin Australia Day Eisteddfod Dance competition, also teaching and organizing dancers and musicians to perform at various festivals in Australia. The

Running Head: Kristy Snell EDU10005. ASS1: Snapshot biography film Charlies Country tackles the negative effects of alcohol, drugs on Indigenous

Australians. Gulpilil states, "It's about me. It's about the Western World. When blackfellas learnt about the Western World, they learnt about grog and cigarettes and all that" (Yenko, 2013). His philosophy is etched in his heart but sits in the dirt under your feet (Cribb, 2008). Eddie Koiki Mabo (1936-1992) a Torres Straits Islander, is a famous figure in Australian history for campaigning for Indigenous land rights and his role in one landmark decision of Australia's High Court, overturning the legal fiction of terra nullius which characterized Australian law with regards to land and title (Biography base, n.d). Mabo became the spokesperson for the Torres Strait Islanders on the railroads, and frequently interacted with Australian trade union officials. He helped found the city's Aboriginal and Islander Health Service and was co-founder and director of the Townsville Black Community School from 1973 to 1983. The school was among the first of its kind in Australia where not only the state curriculum was taught but also the language and culture of the Torres Strait Islander people (Racism No Way, 2013). From 1981 to 1984 he studied for a Diploma of Teaching at Townsville College of Advanced Education and James Cook University. On Australia Day 1993, the Australian newspaper named Eddie Koiki Mabo their 1992 Australian of the Year (RNW, 2013). Mabo died of cancer on 21 January 1992, four months before the Murray Island challenge destroyed terra nullius, now referred to as the Marbo Decision (Loos, 2008). Gulpilil and Mabo collectively made acknowledgeable achievements and contributions to their individual communities and Australia through the arts, education, government and history. Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders are the oldest continuous cultures in the world (National Film & Sound Archive, 2012). Gulpilil became a role model and icon to fellow Indigenous Australians through film, depicting that it is possible to achieve goals and become successful in

Running Head: Kristy Snell EDU10005. ASS1: Snapshot biography the arts. Gulpilil was raised in a traditional family life, later fame and fortune enabled him to

explore Australia and the world. Gulpilils collaboration and formation of groups of dancers and musicians performed all over Australia at festivals. His contribution to society was undoubtedly immeasurable, according to his son (Yenko, 2013). As environmental and societal contexts changed, according to De Heer, (2013), a close friend of Gulpilil, said a man of David's indeterminate age living in a remote community under the intervention and grappling with the changes that are happening, not knowing how he's meant to live his life in Australia these days and deciding to go bush and live the old way''. This statement explains the hardship that Indigenous Australians were confronted with. The destruction of terra nullius in 1992 also referred to as the Mabo decision (Loos, 2008), was an exceptional development in Australian law. Mabo fought incredibly hard for Indigenous land rights, yet on the other end of the scale Gulpilil was emotionally struggling to find his place within society due to lack of judgment and distractions along his lifes path. Mabo provided education to the Torres Strait Islander children community in Townsville, adhering to the state curriculum and also encompassing Indigenous language and culture. Educating children through school, as Mabo did; educating through the arts (ceremonial dances), as Gulpilil did. This created diverse contexts of learning and experiences whilst incorporating Indigenous education and cultural beliefs and practices within Australia. The Mabo decision will be known in history as an important achievement, leading to equality within different cultures and societies in Australia. Mabo, Australian of the year recipient was able to receive formal acknowledgement of his achievements. Gulpilil also received formal acknowledgement of his contribution and achievements in the form of awards and medals. Both men provide important messages in their beliefs and actions even though they

Running Head: Kristy Snell EDU10005. ASS1: Snapshot biography are from different backgrounds and careers. Gulpilil created himself as a role model to any individual who watched his films, as he generally portrayed an Indigenous Australian, telling a story of Australia before and after it became colonized by the British. Mabo fought endlessly to create a fairer society for Indigenous Australians to be a part of through campaigning for land rights. Gulpilil and Mabo both made important contributions in the name of Indigenous Australians within their areas of achievements. Creating opportunities for Indigenous Australians to be recognized and acknowledged within Australian society. Both of these Indigenous Australians enabled development and progression through arts, education, government and history. Kevin Rudd, when Prime Minister of Australia stated, A future where

all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia" (Human Rights & Responsibilities Australia, 2008).

Running Head: Kristy Snell EDU10005. ASS1: Snapshot biography References Adams, M, B. (2001). Honoring David Gulpilil. Retrieved from: http://www.gulpilil.com/ Biography base (n,d). Eddie Mabo Biography retrieved from: http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Mabo_Eddie.html Cribb, R. (2008). David Gulpilil. Retrieved from: http://www.acmi.net.au/oz_essay_david_gulpilil.htm

De Heer, R., as cited in Maddox, G. (2013).Gulpilil's tale brings the power of healing. Retrieved from: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/gulpilils-tale-brings-the-power-ofhealing-20131011-2ve21.html Human Rights & Responsibilities Australia. (2008). Retrieved from: http://www.humanrights.org.au/index.htm IMDb Biography for David Gulpilil. Retrieved from: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0347858/bio Loos, N. (2008). Edward Koiki Mabo: A personal perspective. doi:10.1080/10314619808596078 Retrieved from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10314619808596078?journalCode=rahs20 McGuirk, R. (2002). The double life of David Gulpilil. Retrieved from: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/04/12/1018333416820.html

Running Head: Kristy Snell EDU10005. ASS1: Snapshot biography National Film & Sound Archive. (2012). Australian History Timeline. Retrieved from: http://www.aushistorytimeline.com/

Racism No Way (2013). New South Wales Government, Education and Communities. Retrieved from: http://www.racismnoway.com.au/teaching-resources/factsheets/54.html

Yenko, A. (2013). David Gulpilil, The Journey of the Australian Aboriginal Actor. Retrieved from: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/471689/20130528/david-gulpili-australia-aboriginescharlie-s-country.htm