Furthermore, protocols or customs may

Local Indigenous People of the Adelaide Plains fluctuate based on the geographic location and
the respective land owners, outlining the
The heart of the Kaurna Land originates in the
Knowledge parklands in the city, which existed as open
grassy plains with patches of trees and scrub
importance for us to understand And recognise
the differences that exist. Indigenous culture is
centred around 5 interconnected pillars (land,
before the 1830’s as a result of skilful land
family, law, ceremony and language). These 5
management. The River Torrens as we know it
pillars combine to create a unique view of the
today acted as the focal point for the land
world that is distinctly indigenous. Learning about
owners, who called the river Karrawira Pari
these intrinsically linked cultural aspects helps us
(translating to red gum forest river). The river
as non-indigenous people understand the
acted as a necessary resource for the people,
damage done by the colonisation of Australia by
providing a sustainable source of both food and
the Europeans. For example, being removed or
water and was a popular location of the people.
disconnected from their culture, a sense of
The name Kaurna most likely originates from the
identity or belonging can be lost and therefore
term ‘man’ or ‘people’. The Kaurna people are
remove purpose from one’s existence. Learning
known for having a sophisticated culture with a
about these unique cultures helps us determine
deep understanding of the natural environment,
appropriate responses to past atrocities.
speaking in a complex language and centred their
culture on teaching and understanding. Local Knowledge
Cultural Considerations Knowledge from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
islanders is that of historic learning, values, ways
Most simply, culture refers to people’s way of life; of the land hunting, art and many more aspects
concerned with their values, customer and of original owners of the lands heritage. This
beliefs. Cultural considerations therefore refer to knowledge is based on the social, physical and
the principles or practices that guide behaviour, spiritual understandings which informed the
determine what we eat, wear and how we people’s survival. The aboriginal people of
celebrate occasions; based on historical Australia are part of the oldest continuous living
traditions that are passed on through cultures in human history, this long line of history
generations. The need to acknowledge and has provided the aboriginal people a great
respect the indigenous culture relates to the knowledge of the land and how to sustain life
long-standing history of prejudice, discrimination from their natural environment. This close
and misunderstanding. Aboriginal and Torres harmony between the land and its people gives
Strait Islander culture is complex and rich in knowledge of natural resources and both the
Presented by Matt Brown and
history, yet is still constantly evolving and skills and spirituality within the culture and the
Thomas Main therefore dynamic in nature. land being incorporated within both.
 The statement “The accumulated knowledge
Local Knowledge - Fire How to Engage Respectfully
which encompasses spiritual relationships,
relationships with the natural environment and https://www.youtube.com/watch?
As non-Indigenous people, it is imperative that
the sustainable use of natural resources, and v=Jbyd0LuVoZw
we recognise the need for us to engage with the
relationships between people, which are Fire is of huge cultural significance to the original land owners; whether this be through
reflected in language, narratives, social indigenous Australians and helps to illustrate the attending an Indigenous-led event or inviting a
organisation, values, beliefs, and cultural laws and unique and intimate relationship the people have local Indigenous representative to speak at one
customs” by (Andrews 2006) explains how the with the land. In Kaurna Land, fire was used to of your events. When done well, that is
knowledge of the local people is represented in manage the Adelaide plains, shaping the respectfully and meaningfully, long-term
many different ways throughout their culture. ecosystem and enriching the land they live on. relationships can be established between
This knowledge being in stories, dance, art or Similar to burn offs that we see today, strategic Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities;
even in its most basic form of education passed and deliberate burning of the land helps to clear providing a platform to develop cross-cultural
down through generations from elders of the away the flammable dead scrub whilst conserving understanding, develop new perspectives on
people. To date the respect and use of the local existing, healthy trees. This burning process culture and ultimately help acknowledge past
information must be preserved. This can be done provides evidence of the sophisticated nature historical pains and help contribute to the healing
by The maintenance and transmission of this and deep understanding that the Indigenous process. However, consideration is required
knowledge because it is central to the lives and people had, contrary to historic beliefs. This before taking any action; specific to your
continuation of the history and knowledge of the burning process enriches plant life, rejuvenating intentions or reasons. Being too heavy handed
elders and the peoples preserved culture. Just native woodland and promoting growth. This new can put unwanted pressure on your local
some of the local knowledge includes safe edible growth can be used to attract animals to hunt Indigenous community and the people within it.
food from the land, different tools for not only and eat; a task much easier when not navigating Some useful tips for respectfully engaging
survival but imitation and art and weapons for through thick scrub. Fire also has many other include:
hunting as well as specific skills being used by the useful properties; including cooking purposes, - Acknowledge diversity
aborigines for centuries. Aboriginal stone tools signalling purposes to indicate when hunting to - Involving leaders (both Indigenous and non-
were highly sophisticated in their range and uses. reduce over-hunting in one specific area and for Indigenous)
Stone and natural glass were fashioned into burning leaves during cleansing ceremonies. - Undertake cultural training
chisels, saws, knives, axes and spearheads. Stone - Seek support from Elders
tools were used for hunting, carrying food, for Above is a link to - Develop a shared
making ochre, nets, clothing, baskets and more. demonstrate the purpose for this
The use of the land and resources available were technique of starting a engagement (ie.
key to the survival and and continuation of the fire using the friction mutually beneficial
Aboriginal people and allowed them to adapt and technique, a technique for both parties)
thrive in their surroundings. which is still practiced - Don't rush or
and used today by the force anything
Indigenous people.
 Reference List
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols and Resources – Mental Health Coordinating Council. (2021). Retrieved 14 July 2021, from https://www.mhcc.org.au/our-work/resources/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-
cultural-protocols-and-resources/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. (2021). Retrieved 14 July 2021, from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/cross-curriculum-priorities/aboriginal-and-
torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures/

Aboriginal inventions: 10 enduring innovations - Australian Geographic. (2021). Retrieved 14 July 2021, from https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/history-culture/2015/03/aboriginal-australian-inventions/

Andrews G, Daylight C, Hunt J. et al 2006, Aboriginal cultural heritage landscape mapping of coastal NSW,
prepared for the Comprehensive Coastal Assessment by the NSW Department of Natural Resources, Sydney, NSW

Astronomy, A. (2021). Eagle Dreaming. Retrieved 14 July 2021, from

Close the Gap. (2021). Retrieved 18 July 2021, from https://www.hollows.org/au/what-we-do/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap

Contemporary, A. (2021). What is Dreamtime and Dreaming?. Retrieved 14 July 2021, from https://www.aboriginalcontemporary.com.au/pages/what-is-the-dreamtime-and-dreaming

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW. (2020). What is Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge? Environment, Climate Change & Water.
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/cultureheritage/commconsultation/09782factsheet1.pdf .

Foundation, I. (2021). ILF wins prestigious International Education Award. Retrieved 18 July 2021, from https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/ilf-wins-prestigious-international-education-award.html.html

Indigenous Ecological Knowledge - Central Land Council. (2021).

N, A. (2020). Connecting Locally with Indigenous Communities. Australians Together. https://australianstogether.org.au/resources-2/connecting-locally-with-indigenous-communities-2/.

N A. (2020). Respectfully Engaging with Indigenous Communities. Australians Together. https://australianstogether.org.au/assets/External-Files/PD190+Engaging+with+Communities+Paper-web-FA-1.pdf

O'Brien, L. Y., & Paul, M. (2013). KAURNA PEOPLE. Adelaidia. https://adelaidia.history.sa.gov.au/subjects/kaurna-people.

Smith, T. (2021). 11 Historic Sites to See in Australia. Retrieved 18 July 2021, from https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/11-historical-sites-to-see-in-australia/