Read and React p.133

1.       Why is the native Murrinh-patha language important to the Wadeye community?

They say that their language, Murrinh-patha is their identity, and if they forget their identity they’re nothing. The language is really important to the people of Wadeye.

2.       What differences are there between the white suburbs of the big cities of Australia, and this part of the Northern Territory?

It’s a better standard in the white suburbs in the big cities of Australia, and the conditions are better. They do not have as much diseases and infections. The white suburbs get more attention from the government than the suburbs of the northern territory. The politicians do not care about the aborigines.

3.       What causes are there of endemic health problems, according to the article?

According to the article there’s a lot of endemic health problems caused by poor hygiene, overcrowding and a lack of education and healthcare, like high rates of heart disease, skin sepsis, rheumatic fever, nephritis and perforated ear infections. Some of the kids are also malnourished, due to the bad living-conditions.