by Doove71 [Loremaster Subsciber]
While viewing the show True Detective, I thought I would be a good Lorehound and dive deeper into the idea of the walkabout or long walk and its connection to native people’s spirituality.
The scene of Navarro staring into the whiteness of an Alaskan landscape and then stepping off into the unknown is both haunting and strangely compelling. She’s a lone figure, small, fragile, and very human, walking into Alaska's vast, icy wilderness. The scene evokes a visceral sense of the unknown, her isolation, and the potential for mortal danger and self-discovery.
This image of a figure stepping off into the unknown resonates deeply with ancient concepts of the "long walk" found in various Indigenous cultures, most notably the Australian Aboriginal tradition of the "walkabout."
True Detective and the walkabout tap into a universal yearning for something that lies "out there." The series shows multiple characters pulled towards the Alaskan wilderness, whether it's Navarro seeking a final, elusive resolution, her sister, Julia, seeking final solace, or even the scientists running out into the unknown to face justice.
Any wilderness exerts a magnetic power linked to the landscape. It's a desire that transcends immediate logic – is it a call to test oneself, to seek truth beyond the constraints of a more mundane, conventional life, or is it perhaps a willingness to surrender and be lost within something grander than the self?
The Pull of 'What's Out There,' the Dreaming, and ‘Going Walkabout’
Focusing on the Australian Aboriginal peoples who have a distinct practice of ‘going walkabout,’ it’s important to recognize the Aboriginal concepts of the Dreamtime and how the practice of 'going walkabout' is foundational to understanding the profound spiritual relationship between Indigenous Australians and their land.
Firstly, it's important to spend a moment on these first people. With a heritage that spans many different communities, each with its unique mixture of cultures, customs, and languages. Before the British arrived in 1788, there were more than 250 Indigenous nations, each with several clans. Due to this wide-ranging cultural and tribal mix, Aboriginal peoples themselves may choose to identify with their language groups and traditional country rather than as a whole society. For example, the Gunditjamara people are the traditional custodians of Western Victoria, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation are from Sydney, and the Yawuru people are the traditional custodians of Broome in Western Australia.
Aboriginal peoples might describe themselves in ways that relate to their Country (including their waters), such as ‘saltwater people’ for those who live on the coast or islands, or ‘freshwater,’ ‘rainforest,’ or ‘desert’ for people who live in that ecological environment, to name a few.
Some Aboriginal people prefer to be referred to by their regional identities, such as Koori, Murri, Nunga, or others. These names ‘place’ them from specific geographical regions, like saying you’re a ‘Cockney’ (Londoner) or a ‘Geordie’ (Newcastle) in England. These regional identities do not necessarily adhere to Australia’s state or territory boundaries as they are today.
While specific nuances relate to how Aboriginal peoples in Australia recognize themselves, the “Dreaming” or “The Dreamtime” concept is universal.
This idea refers to a timeless state of creation when ancestral beings shaped the world, establishing all life's laws, structures, and spiritual essences. 'Going walkabout' is a rite of passage and a journey that connects individuals (usually young males) to this sacred history, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors, reconnect with the earth, and gain deeper insights into themselves and the universe.
The Dreamtime is more than a mythological era; it's the cornerstone of Aboriginal spirituality and worldview. It describes the period when ancestral spirits, in various forms such as animals, humans, and natural elements, roamed the earth, creating landscapes, plants, animals, and humans. These stories passed down through generations in song, dance, and art are not mere tales to Aboriginals but are present experiences that continue to influence their world.
Each story or "Dreaming" is connected to specific locations; sacred sites become physical manifestations of these stories, imbued with the power and presence of the ancestors. This connection underscores the belief that the land is alive and conscious, deserving of respect and protection. For Aboriginal people, preserving the integrity of these sites is crucial for maintaining the balance of the world and ensuring the continuation of the Dreamtime into the present day.
This was seen most recently when, in 2019, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board introduced a ban on climbing Uluru by the public (previously known as Ayers Rock) after intense lobbying by the traditional owners—the Anangu—who consider Uluru an intensely spiritual place, an area where their Tjukurpa (creation stories), which govern their ceremonies, art, and rules for living, converge.
Taking the Long Walk
'Going walkabout' is an essential practice for Indigenous Australians, embodying a physical and spiritual journey across ancestral lands. Traditionally, it signifies a young person's transition into adulthood, requiring them to live off the land, navigate vast territories, and reconnect with the Dreamtime stories of their ancestors. This journey is both a test of survival skills and a profound spiritual awakening, as individuals follow the paths of their creation ancestors, reenacting their stories and renewing their connection to the land.
Beyond its traditional coming-of-age significance, going walkabout is a time for reflection, healing, and creating a deep spiritual connection. It allows individuals to detach from the modern world, engage with the spiritual essence of the land, and find guidance and wisdom in silence and solitude. This practice highlights the belief in the land as a source of identity, knowledge, and spiritual sustenance, reinforcing the bond between the people and their ancestral territories.
The profound relationship between Aboriginal people and the land transcends mere physical existence. It is a deep spiritual connection in which the land is considered a living, breathing entity integral to identity, culture, and spirituality. This connection is evident in the rituals, ceremonies, and daily practices honoring the land and its ancestors.
The Aboriginal concept of 'Country' encapsulates this deep connection, encompassing the physical landscape and the spiritual, emotional, and cultural ties to the land. To be separated from one's Country is to be disconnected from one's identity, ancestors, and the essence of life itself.
This practice of ‘Going Walkabout’ is primarily a male undertaking, but it's essential to understand that Aboriginal cultures often have gendered knowledge and practices. Men's walkabouts might involve access to sacred sites or initiation ceremonies off-limits to women. However, women had their spiritual journeys and long walks, fulfilling different purposes. These could be connected to life stages, gathering vital resources, fostering kinship connections, or accessing female-specific sacred sites.
Unfortunately, the focus on documenting men's activities has led to a less complete understanding of Indigenous women's knowledge and spiritual traditions.
But as in most contemporary societies, we can see the boundaries between traditional gender roles becoming less rigid in many Aboriginal communities. Women may now participate in activities or access knowledge previously restricted to men. This extends to some women choosing to undertake journeys resembling a traditional "walkabout," whether motivated by spiritual reasons, a desire for personal growth, or reconnecting with their heritage on their terms. While historically, the term "walkabout" is heavily associated with men, modern Aboriginal individuals, especially women, might use different terminology to describe their long walks or spiritual journeys centered around their individual experiences.
A Different Wilderness, a Different Perspective
The concept of "The Long Walk" in the context of the Inupiat culture seen in True Detective: Night Country doesn’t directly correspond to a single, universally recognized event or spiritual journey named as such, akin to the examples described previously. However, the Inupiat way of life, deeply intertwined with migration, hunting expeditions, and spiritual practices, offers a perspective on long journeys with significant cultural and spiritual importance.
Aboriginal Australians and the Inupiat peoples have a deep spiritual bond with their land. For Aboriginal Australians, 'Going Walkabout' is a rite of passage and a spiritual journey that reinforces their connection to the Dreamtime and the spiritual nature of their connection to the land.
Similarly, the Inupiat people deeply respect the land and sea, which are integral to their way of life and spirituality. Their traditions and subsistence practices, such as hunting and fishing, are not just economic activities but are imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting respect and gratitude toward the animals and the environment.
The Inupiat peoples of Alaska have a rich history of traditional migration practices deeply intertwined with their subsistence lifestyle, cultural beliefs, and the challenging Arctic environment in which they live. While Inupiat culture and spiritual beliefs don’t have a specific practice analogous to the walkabout of Australian Aborigines, "The Long Walk" is a fitting term that encapsulates the extensive and often arduous journeys these communities undertake as part of their seasonal migrations and hunting expeditions.
This "Long Walk" is a physical journey but a cultural and spiritual passage connecting the Inupiat people to their ancestors, the land, and the animals they depend upon for survival. These migrations are closely tied to the seasonal cycles and the movements of wildlife, particularly the caribou, whales, and seals, which are central to Inupiat subsistence. The knowledge of when and where to move is passed down through generations, embodying a deep understanding of the environment and its rhythms.
In the context of "The Long Walk," the Inupiat's traditional migration practices showcase their adaptation to one of the planet's most extreme environments. These journeys involve navigating vast and often ice-covered landscapes, requiring skills and knowledge honed over millennia. The Inupiat uses traditional routes that have been traveled for generations, imbued with historical and spiritual significance. These routes are not just pathways across the land but are part of a living cultural landscape that tells the story of the Inupiat peoples and their deep bond with the Arctic environment.
Both cultures value ancestral wisdom and spiritual beliefs that guide their interactions with the environment and each other. Aboriginal Australians' spiritual beliefs are centered around Dreaming, which informs their laws, moral codes, and understanding of the world. The Inupiat's spirituality is similarly intertwined with their ancestors' teachings, emphasizing living in harmony with nature and the importance of community and kinship ties. Both cultures have rich oral traditions that transmit these spiritual beliefs and practices from one generation to the next.
While Aboriginal and Inupiat cultures have developed a deep spiritual connection to their environments, the nature of these environments has led to different adaptations and expressions of spirituality. The Aboriginal Australians' environment is diverse, ranging from desert landscapes and tropical rainforests to coastal areas, and their spiritual practices reflect this diversity. In contrast, the Inupiat people's spirituality has adapted to the Arctic environment, with practices and rituals that reflect the challenges and opportunities of life in the North, such as the significance of the whale in their subsistence and spiritual life. Aboriginal spirituality is deeply linked to the Dreamtime and involves a complex system of totems, song lines, and lore that connect people to the land, animals, and ancestral beings. While also animistic, the Inupiat spirituality often centers around shamanism and the veneration of animal spirits, especially those animals central to their subsistence.
Was Navarro’s walk a surrender, as Julia’s was, or was it more akin to her seeking something her Inupiat heritage was pulling her towards? Was she embarking on a walkabout to discover some elusive truth? Or was it something far bleaker?
The ending of True Detective: Night Country leaves Navarro's walk into the wilderness purposely open-ended. We don't know her true motivations or if she even survives. This ambiguity underscores how far removed the modern world often is from the structured spiritual journeys of the walkabout. Still, the allure of her "long walk" reminds us of something essential - transformation often lies in embracing the unknown, facing challenges, and seeking a deeper connection with the world around us, even if that world is an unforgiving icy wilderness rather than a landscape steeped in ancestral lore.
Further Reading
The White-Seared Landscape: Walkabout as Iconic Australian Counterculture by J. McDonald (2018) examines Nicolas Roeg’s film Walkabout and its impact on Australian views regarding race relations, cultural understanding, and empathy towards Aboriginal political discourse, emphasizing the sacred connection to the land and cultural heritage.
Walking While Aboriginal by S. Phillips (2021) reflects on the deep historical and cultural significance of walking for Aboriginal people, touching upon the intergenerational memories and the ongoing exploration of this practice within the Aboriginal community.
The Hands Feel It: Healing and Spirit Presence Among a Northern Alaskan People by Edith L. Turner (1996). This book offers a detailed account of the author's experiences among the Inupiat people, focusing on occurrences of healing, spirit manifestation, and premonition. The work is notable for exploring how healing and spiritual presence are experienced and understood within this community. It offers insights into Inupiat spiritual beliefs and their connection to the natural and supernatural world.