Interviewees

Roger Thomas

Roger Thomas is a professor at the University of Adelaide where he directs Wilto Yerlo, the Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies. Wilto Yerlo is recognized as a center of excellence for Australian Indigenous research and education through partnerships with indigenous people that honors the principle of self determination by sharing knowledge and understanding.

Videos featuring Roger Thomas

  • What Can We Learn?

    Roger Thomas, professor and director of Wilto Yerlo Center for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies, responds to our question of what Western cultures can learn from Aboriginal culture. Dr. Thomas contrasts colonial and indigenous orientations toward the land, connects respect for the land with a social fabric of mutual caring and concern, and invites colonial cultures to take responsibility for damage done to both ecological and social systems.

    (5 min 13 sec)

  • An Aboriginal Connection

    Roger Thomas, professor and director of Wilto Yerlo Center for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies, talks about the Aboriginal experience in Australia. Despite an underlying pride in their cultural heritage, many Aboriginals are discouraged and disempowered by Australian policies that have shut down the indigenous voice. Roger tells us that the Aboriginal flag represents a powerful cultural oneness, but that those governing their homeland still do not acknowledge it.

    (3 min 29 sec)

  • Earth Mother = Birth Mother

    Roger Thomas, professor and director of Wilto Yerlo Center for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies, explains the association in Aboriginal culture between the earth mother and birth mother. Roger believes that until that connection is a lived reality for colonial cultures-not just a metaphor-they will continue to disrespect and disregard the earth. Once that connection is made, then the landscape becomes alive with purpose and meaning.

    (4 min 31 sec)

  • Tjukurpa

    Roger Thomas is a professor at the University of Adelaide where he directs Wilto Yerlo, the Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies. Wilto Yerlo is recognized as a center of excellence for Australian Indigenous research and education through partnerships with indigenous people that honors the principle of self determination by sharing knowledge and understanding.

    (2 min 19 sec)

  • A Long Term Wishlist

    Until the Australian land claims of the First Nations have been fully addressed, true reconciliation is impossible, according to professor Roger Thomas. Director of the Wilto Yerlo Center for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies, Roger tells us there must first be a sincere change of colonial attitudes.

    (3 min 28 sec)
"The earth – Munda – is our mother. And if you can relate to it in that way, then it has the same meaning to it that you would have to your own birth mother."
From
Earth Mother = Birth Mother
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