The Aboriginal Australian poet, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, in her poem ‘we are going’ examines the impact of colonial conquest on aboriginal Australians with reference to:
[A] Loss of ‘bora ground’
[B] Loss of aboriginal identify
[C] Loss of new education
[D] Loss of primitive culture
[E] None of the above
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A, B and D only.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal's poignant poem "We Are Going" is a powerful elegy that laments the displacement and cultural erasure of Aboriginal Australians following European colonization. The poem examines the profound impact of colonial conquest through several key themes:
1. Loss of ‘bora ground’ (A): The poem explicitly mentions, "Many are gone, the bora ground is gone." The bora ground represents sacred ceremonial sites used for initiation and spiritual gatherings. Its loss signifies the destruction of sacred spaces and the severed connection to their ancestral lands.
2. Loss of aboriginal identity (B): The refrain "We are going" and lines describing the people as "the quiet day falling" or "the shadow-clings" highlight the systematic erasure of Aboriginal identity. The poet emphasizes that their customs, roles as custodians of the land, and very presence are being marginalized and forgotten.
3. Loss of primitive (traditional) culture (D): The poem reflects on the loss of ancient customs, stating that "The nights are quiet besides the dull embers" and mourning the end of the traditional corroborees, stories, and cultural heritage that defined their way of life for millennia.

Conversely, "Loss of new education" (C) is not a theme examined in the poem, as Western-style education was introduced by colonizers, rather than being a traditional element lost to them. Thus, options A, B, and D are the only correct references.