Laurie
Just quickly re your comment:
"If my designs are appearing too deep and/or obscure in comparison to the other entries, please let me know. I'm more than happy to take direction on this one, due to the nature of this project, as I greatly wish to answer your client's initial brief and spiritual/cultural needs."
Feel free to go deeper and push cultural boundaries. You have an understanding of what we are trying to achieve and your comments are warranted and your attempts to design to brief are valued.
I want to push the boundaries on this. I don't want mainstream or safe. I want to lead and let the rest follow.
One of my favourite Australian logo's is this well know one:
http://media.kotaku.com.au/mt/abc%20logo.jpgCheers
Simon