Passing on the Flame of Cultural Knowledge through Intergenerational Education
Wiradjuri Cultural Burns Team in partnership with Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc, RFS and Snowy Valleys Council, held an educational Cultural Burn at the Tumut wetlands. The events major aims were to educate and empower high school students about Cultural burning and build a connection to Country and First Nations Ecological Practice.
Collaborations - LEP23_036_LLC8_1
The issue
Education access for Cultural Burn and Awareness has many restrictions, particularly the available location to undertake a Cultural Burn.
There is a lack of educational resources and opportunities for youth to learn about Cultural burning and First Nations ecological practices. Whilst some curriculum resources touch on these topics in the classroom, there is a need for increased support and recognition of Indigenous fire knowledge and practices, including empowering Indigenous youth with practical cultural learning. However, barriers such as inadequate decision-making, regulatory frameworks, disconnection from Country, and fragmented partnerships hinder the transmission of this knowledge to younger generations. Dedicated educational programs and resources are crucial for preserving and revitalising these important cultural and ecological practices among youth.
The solution
To address the lack of educational access for Cultural burning and First Nations ecological practices, Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc, built on its partnerships with The Wiradjuri Cultural Burns Team, RFS, Local Schools and Snowy Valleys Council. The partnership prioritises Indigenous leadership, to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer, and systemic changes, to ensure the preservation and revitalization of these vital cultural and ecological practices.
The impact
The Wiradjuri Cultural Burn Team's inspiring work fostered a sense of pride, knowledge, and skills in land management, biodiversity, and teamwork among the Clontarf Foundation and Stars Foundation students. The Rural Fire Service Cadets eagerly applied their theoretical knowledge to practical experience, impressing their instructor. Home-schooled children embraced the opportunity to make new friends, even with local wildlife, while adults ventured out of their comfort zones to gain invaluable Cultural insights. This has inspired LLCs across the Murrumbidgee to expand on this and another educational burn will take place in Narrandera soon.
Key facts
- Building practical education for Cultural burning and First Nations ecological practices.
- Need for collaborative partnerships to develop culturally appropriate curriculum and resources.
- Wiradjuri Cultural Burn Team inspired First Nations youth, fostering pride and knowledge.
- Supporting intergenerational connections to Country and Culture