Ever since the arrival of the European settlers in the 18th Century, people have viewed the Aboriginal people in various perspectives, both positive and negative. These perceptions have been shaped and are still being morphed by countless texts and artworks created by the Aboriginal people themselves. The set text, The Dreamers is an excellent example of a play that has shaped the way we look at Aborigines. Additionally, the artwork by Gordon Bennett and Kevin Rudd’s famous sorry speech, we, as non-Indigenous people of the land can gain a better, positive perspective of the Aborigines. In the set text, The Dreamers by Jack Davis, we are shown the dying Aboriginal culture, supported by issues of poverty, alcoholism, and apathy towards life, unemployment and white prejudice. However, the story also shows us the hope in the younger generation of Aboriginal people in which they adapt to the influential actions of the white people. We are greeted by an Aboriginal family living in a state of extreme poverty, Dolly, comments on their current state “Oh gawd, I wish we ‘had a decent place to live in. No ‘ot water, no locks on the doors, worse than livin’ in a bloody camp.” The scene illustrates a negative perspective towards the Aboriginal people living in an urban environment. It suggests that Aborigines are experiencing difficulty in finding employment and thus, resort to government social security payouts and a life of poverty. This scene is emphasised by the use of colloquial language, usually symbolising a person who holds a low level of education, which, usually means unemployment. This is expressed through Roy’s mindset of employment, “That’s not a Nyoongah driving the garbage truck, ‘es an Indian bloke.“ “He ain’t a Nyoongah an’ that’s good enough for me.” The fact that Roy is in a way jealous if another person of his race becomes employed symbolises the level the Aborigines are in when compared to other races. An idea of Aborigines being trapped in the past is also present in the play. Uncle Worru, an elderly man who longs for the past and rejects any relations with the white people, prominently expresses this nostalgic indication. Throughout the play, he is bombarded with an illness in relation to alcohol overdose; his wish is to be cured by a “Nyoongah Doctor” a person of his own kind and not of European descent. Additionally, his nostalgia is further emphasised by the way he speaks, a fusion of both English and the Nyoo