The same intangible spirit that connects every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to their country also connects each person together, one to another. In the same way, maintaining connection to mob is synonymous with maintaining connection to country. Whether it’s sharing stories, supporting each other, or celebrating cultural traditions, these vital connections form the foundation of our identities.
The cultural concept of ‘mob’ extends much further than mere relatives and family members. Mob includes direct family, indirect family and wider members of community. The entire identities of First Nations Australians are built upon the knowledge of who your mob is. So, when a First Nations person is asked who their mob is, they aren’t just being asked who they’re related to - they are being asked to identify themselves.
Because of this, being far away from mob is more than a feeling of isolation and loneliness. It can feel like losing part of your identity and sense of self.
It’s a fact of life that physical distance can separate mob from each other. Whether it’s loved ones having to travel to receive medical care or young ones going away to receive education, it’s important that mob stays connected while far from one another. Here are some ways to stay close to each other while separated.
Video calling: Seeing the faces of your mob can feel much more meaningful and special than just a simple phone call. Using platforms like FaceTime, Zoom and Skype to see and talk to each other in real-time allows a visual connection that can help maintain a sense of closeness despite the physical distance.
Phone calls: Ringing up for a yarn is an age-old method of helping you stay connected with mob. Just hearing the voice of a loved one can be comforting and reassuring while physically separated. If you don't have access to a phone, consider using one of Telstra's 14,000 payphones, where standard national and mobile calls are free.
Group chats: Having a constant stream of communication with your mob can help everyone stay connected and informed about each other’s lives. Having the ability to simply say good morning, give a quick update or send a selfie can help bring about a sense of normalcy.
If you need more help with online communication, the eSafety Commissioner has several useful resources. They offer great tips and guidance on making video calls and using online chat features safely.
Consistent routines: Having regular times to catch up, such as a weekly phone or video call, creates a predictable and reliable way of staying connected. Looking forward to your next catch up with your mob can provide a sense of stability that helps offset the disorientation of being separated.
Shared calendars: If possible, using a platform like Google Calendar can be useful to keep track of important dates, events and appointments. Seeing everyone’s schedules can make it easier to plan calls and even coordinate visits. Staying involved in each other’s lives helps maintain a feeling of connection and ensures that important moments aren’t missed.
Sending letters: Although instant messaging is quick and easy, the old-fashioned snail mail provides a lasting connection that digital communication often lacks. Letters can be kept and reread and require much more personal investment in the form of time and thought than a quick message does. That extra personal touch is a heartfelt way to stay connected while separated.
Care packages: Sending care packages filled with favourite snacks, personal items, or handmade gifts can be a thoughtful way to share a slice of home. Everyone loves receiving a package, especially one filled with reminders of home.
Being away from mob can be emotionally and spiritually tough, even more so when kids are involved. It’s important to come together as one mob to support each other and help ease the difficulty of being scattered across the expanse of Australia. This is even more important for kids, who rely on staying connected for stability and a sense of security. Strong connection with mob builds a strong sense of individual and shared identity regardless of physical distance.
The most important element for emotional, spiritual and social well-being is creating and keeping strong ties to mob. Staying close and connected to mob is not just a matter of maintaining relationships; it’s a core part of identity and culture for First Nations Australians. There are many ways to connect with mob, but no one way is more important than the other. Each connection, no matter how it is made, weaves a vital thread into the fabric of community and identity, strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture for generations to come.
This phrase means two different things:
Mob refers to a group of people who are connected through immediate and extended family ties or a wider community. It signifies a sense of belonging and identity.
This term refers to the spiritual connection that binds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land, ancestors, and each other. It describes the beliefs, traditions, and cultural practices that are passed down through generations, forming a vital part of their identity and way of life.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, community is not just a physical place but a network of relationships and connections that provide support, identity, and a sense of belonging. It includes family, extended kin, and other members who share cultural ties and responsibilities.
Country refers to the land, waters, and skies that are intrinsically linked to the identity and spirituality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a living entity that holds cultural, spiritual, and ancestral significance, and maintaining a connection to Country is essential for wellbeing and cultural continuity.
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Sophee is a Torres Strait Islander woman descending from the Mauar people of Rennell Island and the Dauareb Tribe of Mer.
