Kanyini:
“Kanyini is a Pijantjatjara word meaning interconnectedness: to care, to support, to nurture and protect”. (M. O’Hara, 2006, pp2.).
The concept of Kanyini is fundamentally a way of living. In order for an Indigenous person to achieve a sense of Kanyini they must have a positive balance of the four pillars. These pillars include; belief, spirituality, family and land.
“Kanyini is a Pijantjatjara word meaning interconnectedness: to care, to support, to nurture and protect”. (M. O’Hara, 2006, pp2.).
The concept of Kanyini is fundamentally a way of living. In order for an Indigenous person to achieve a sense of Kanyini they must have a positive balance of the four pillars. These pillars include; belief, spirituality, family and land.
- Beliefs: This is what guides you in how you live your
life as well as how you view the world.
- Spirituality: This is connected to beliefs as it
relates to the laws and principles that guide you. It is also incorporates
cultural stories, such as the Dreaming.
- Family: It is recognised that culture is passed on
through family, both immediate and extended. Related to the kinship system
previously mentioned as it defines how you belong and your place in the
community, as well as, an individuals roles, responsibilities and behaviour.
- Land: According to the film ‘Kanyini’ the land
connects everything as one, therefore nature is considered family. As a result
everyone is responsible to care and protect the land.