Australian aborigines visit Franklin ParkProgram focuses of the culture of Australian aborigines. Host David Crippens introduces Dighton Spooner's interview with Gulpilil (and other aborigines visiting Boston) on music, ceremonies, instruments, costuming, and the requirements for the cultural survival of Australia's aboriginal people. Interviews touch upon offers from European companies to purchase tribal lands, Australia's attempts to restore native culture, Australian rules governing 'mixed blood,' the impact of African American leaders on Australia, the creative forces behind aboriginal cultures, and the effects of European repression on native cultural tradition. Additional program segments include footage of aborigines applying body paints of clay and charcoal and performing tribal dances in Boston's Franklin Park, the 'Historical Minute' with Georgia State Representative Julian Bond, 'Bookbeat,' 'Commentary' by professor and historian A.B. Spellman on the differences between Third World and western cultures, and segment interludes with Sheryl Bibbs and Louis Wilson (of the musical group Mandrill). Produced by Marita Rivero. Directed by Conrad White.

Footage of Australian aborigines applying body paints of clay and charcoal and performing tribal dances in Boston's Franklin Park. Includes African American children interacting with the aborigines as they try to learn how to use the didgeridoo.

Barbara Barrow speaks with Russell Peters, President of the Mashpee Tribal Council, about the history of the Mashpee District in Massachusetts.

Creation of the Mashpee District in 1685. Program focuses on the August, 1976 lawsuit filed by the Wampanoag Indians of Massachusetts against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in an effort to reclaim lands sold from 1763 to 1870 without Congressional approval. Host Barbara Barrow speaks with guest Russell Peters, President of the Mashpee Tribal Council, about the problems the council is having regaining tribal lands, when was the lands were taken, when the council decided to file suit, how Peters feels about the claim that Wampanoag marriages with Black and white Americans has diluted their culture and claim to lands, if Mashpee becoming a town gave Native Americans the power to sell their own land (as they did willingly, according to Barrow), and what will happen to the people who are living in Mashpee who feel they own their land and houses. Additional segments include the 'Say Brother News' with reporters Leah Fletcher, Eric Sampedro, Justina Chu, and WNAC TV arts critic Tanya Hart, the 'Third World Connection' (which discusses the intermarriage of African Americans and Native Americans, and their historical bond, is discussed), and the 'Community Calendar.' Produced by Barbara Barrow. Directed by Conrad White.

In this activity, your students will explore the creation myths and legends of different Indigenous Peoples. They will get the chance to compare and contrast their similarities and differences with other myths and legends from around the world. Applying their newfound information and imagination, they will write and illustrate a myth as a modern day short story for younger children, selecting one of the groups of Indigenous People. The story must be typed and submitted using a word processing program.

'Blast from the Past' with Cleve Sellers. Program focuses on the culture of Australian aborigines. Host/interviewer Dighton Spooner speaks with Gulpilil and other Australians about music, ceremonies, instruments, costuming, and the requirements for the survival of Australia's aboriginal culture. Interviews touch upon offers from European companies to purchase tribal lands, Australia's attempts to restore its native culture, rules governing 'mixed blood' in Australian government, the impact of African American leaders on Australia, the creative force behind aboriginal cultures, and European repression of native cultural tradition. Additional program segments include two mime performances by Halim Adbur Rashid (Fred Johnson), 'Blast From the Past' (with an interview with Cleve Sellers, member of the Cornell University development staff), 'Information' on college preparatory services, 'Access' (on the services of the Council of Elders, Inc.), the 'Community Calendar,' and 'Commentary' by Producer Marita Rivero. Original air date estimated. Produced by Marita Rivero. Directed by Conrad White.