I am amazed by the fact that people who proudly claim to be persons whose heritage embraces an Indigenous Australian background, seemingly deny that part of their heritage that is non-indigenous. People talk about the fact that they are proud members of various family groups associated with land and country that identifies them as indigenous. That is fine and this acknowledgement, once hidden, is a good thing. The exemplification and magnification of cultural background and heritage is a step up and step away from what used to be an admittance of shame.

However, what I cannot understand is why those of mixed heritage speak about and are proud of the indigenous side to their heritage, while barely mentioning the fact that their birth or background is one of cultural mix. Rarely if ever, is there any acknowledgement of the parent, grandparent or great grandparents who were non indigenous. Why is that the case.

Historical denial of indigenous makeup was sad and is being corrected. That is good. But contemporary denial of that aspect of birth and heritage that is non-indigenous is equally as unfortunate. It denies the essence and the enrichment that cross-culturalism can generate.