Aboriginal

Australia’s indigenous peoples are made up of hundreds of different nations, meaning that the way in which a death in commemorated differs between the cultures. The overarching aim, however, is to ensure that the spirit of the deceased passes to the afterlife without a problem.

You may have seen warnings posted about photos of deceased Aboriginal people before newscasts and other media presentations. This is because in Indigenous custom, uttering the name of a person or using their image is believed the disturb their spirit. A substitute name may be assigned. The strict following of this custom will depend on where you are in Australia, with those in the Northern Territory considered to follow this practice more so than in other parts, but cultural sensitivity is always advised.

‘Sorry business’ is also a term you may hear if attending an Aboriginal service, it refers to the process of the funeral and mourning (although can also refer to the loss of family through other means such as imprisonment).

Before the funeral

• While the customs and traditions change between each indigenous group, families may contact a funeral director to assist with preparations, most likely one with an understanding of the cultural factors involved
  
  
• The assembly of family and the wider community to grieve and show support is incredibly important in Aboriginal funeral customs
  
  

During the service

•  The type of service will vary greatly, and many will span over several days involving different practices
  
  
•  Traditional songs, dances and Aboriginal funeral ceremonies are to be expected. Some may include some aspects of funeral services from other cultures, such as from the Christian faith
  
  
• The dress will vary, however commonplace is smart clothing in subtle colours. It’s best to ask beforehand of someone familiar with the customs and norms
  
  
• Some of the dances and/or ceremonies may only be for participation of Aboriginal people. At the ones that can involve anyone, it is polite to remain quiet during dances, songs or ceremonies that you’re not familiar with, unless you are invited to join

After the service

• Burial and cremation have been parts of Aboriginal funerals since before the colonisation of Australia
  
  
• A traditional practice amongst some groups was to leave the body on a raised platform where it would be left for the flesh to rot, leaving only the bones. These would then be placed in an important location or carried by the family
  
  
• A standard burial or cremation may be chosen, depending on the family’s wishes