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Northern Territory
While representing the world's oldest living culture, Australia's indigenous people contribute significantly to modern life in the Northern Territory. A large proportion of the Northern Territory is Aboriginal land and a number of the Red Centre's national parks and reserves are owned and/ or co-managed by Aboriginal people. Land is the key element of Aboriginal culture. It was created by supernatural ancestral beings whoose power lives on in the land to provide the life force for all living things: the places associated with a particular ancestor contain it's living power and are called sacred sites.They are of inestimable importance in traditional spiritual life and must be treated with great respect. For this reason a sacred site maybe off-limits to visitors, and photography may be banned. There are a number of opportunities in thec Red Centre for visitors to learn about Aboriginal culture. The short cross-cultural courses offered by indigenous organisations in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek are a great introduction, as are cultural tours such as those available at Uluru and Wallace Rockhole. Art has always been a vital part of Aboriginal life, and there are many art and craft centres throughout the region. The Desert Mob Art Show in Alice Springs is well worth visiting.
There are also walk-through exhibits and a raptor display. Throughout the day, guides present various aspects of life in the desert , including topics such as traditional Aboriginal use of plants. Facilities include a cafe, restaurant and souvenir shop, electric and manual wheelchairs may also be hired.
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