Abstract
This study represents Australia's identity today, examines the value of Indigenous history and cultural heritage, and analyzes the issues facing Indigenous communities regarding the expansion of these values.
First, contemporary Australian identity, rooted in Indigenous history and cultural heritage, is recognized for its value through the Indigenous flag—a representative symbol of Australia; Indigenous art displayed on the national airline, which symbolizes the myths of Indigenous dreams and the Australian spirit; Indigenous sacred sites, which are iconic landmarks listed as World Heritage Sites proudly presented by Tourism Australia; the value of Indigenous languages; and regional festivals based on Indigenous traditional culture and art. Therefore, it was concluded that the history and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, as reflected in Australia's identity, possess sufficient value. Second, in expanding these Indigenous values, disputed Indigenous territorial rights, the erasure of Indigenous identity, and the severe crime rate within Indigenous communities emerged as significant problems. Above all, in finding a way to achieve inevitable coexistence and prosperity with Indigenous Australians, we must place value on creating and expanding a social atmosphere where every Indigenous person is respected for their human dignity and human rights.
This article examines (i) the value of Australian Aboriginal history and cultural heritage and (ii) various problems of extension of the Aboriginal society in Australia. This was done by finding the Aboriginal history and cultural heritage as Australia's foremost national symbol, icon, spirit and representation of the national identity. There were significant problems of the Aboriginal society in their land conflict and territorial rights, losing their pure heritage identity, and high levels of crime and prison rates that can constrain proper extension of their unique cultural and historical values. The promotion of universal respect for human rights and equity are relevant to developing a sustainable relationship between Aboriginal people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds in the context of multicultural Australia.