Indigenous Surfing is “Thriving Not Surviving”

“If we are to attempt to understand Indigenous philosophy it has to begin with the profound obligation to land,” writes Bruce Pascoe in Dark Emu. A book that debunked widespread myths about the oldest living culture in the world, that of aboriginal Australians.

“It was convenient for many European settlers not to acknowledge the evidence of an Aboriginal agricultural economy, and contemporary Australians still suffer from the result. The Aboriginal methods of land management were not just practical, but aesthetically pleasing.” 

Alarmingly, this is not common knowledge in Australia.

For those unfamiliar with white Australia’s dark history, Bruce’s book would be a good start. It would certainly help add context as to why this ABC documentary that focuses on First Nation people’s connection to surfing and the coast, warrants 28-minutes of your time.

Hosted by Billy Bain, a surfer and twice-Archibald nominated Indigenous Australian artist of Darug descent, it is a reminder that our majestic coastline is filled with stories of pride, tragedy and resurgence.

I learned a lot and it made me smile.