July 2 â 3 - Sydney Opera House
July 2 â 3 - Sydney Opera House
July 2 â 3 - Sydney Opera House
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Ngankari<br />
Title: Ngankari<br />
Style: Documentary 26 mins.<br />
Directed by: Erica Glynn<br />
Synopsis<br />
Ngankari are traditional Indigenous healers. The documentary follows the work of Andy Tjilari and Rupert<br />
Peters as they heed the call of sick people at home and in hospital. They explain and demonstrate some of<br />
their techniques and introduce us to their young protégés. They explain what kind of illnesses they can treat<br />
and what is beyond their capacities. They also discuss their compatibility with Western medicine.<br />
Key Concepts<br />
• Traditional beliefs<br />
• Continuity of traditional beliefs<br />
• Traditional healing<br />
• Compatibility of Indigenous and Western healing techniques<br />
Focus Questions<br />
• The Ngankari have only recently received money for their services. Previously how were they paid?<br />
• Do you think that belief itself can help a patient in their recovery? Discuss.<br />
• What alternative medicines or techniques to Western medicines have you heard of or experienced?<br />
Have they worked?<br />
• The Ngankari are passing their techniques on to young students. Write a list of traditional beliefs or<br />
techniques (in any field) that have been passed on to you from older members of family or<br />
community.<br />
• What is the importance of passing on this knowledge?<br />
• Erica Glynn the filmmaker has been given a rare privilege. It would have been unheard of for an<br />
Indigenous woman to be privy to this knowledge in some other tribal groups. In your own culture are<br />
there subtle or distinct codes of silence between genders on certain topics? Discuss.<br />
Message Sticks Teacher Kit 2008 ©ACMI 45
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