This short documentary explores what Indigenous cultural fire knowledge and practice means to various communities wanting to bring back traditional burning to their lands.
The National Indigenous Fire Workshop was hosted by the small remote town of Wujal Wujal in Cape York in 2016. Surrounded by waterfalls and where the rainforest meets the sea, this special place is the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji people. Culture is alive and strong at Wujal Wujal. Locals and friends from surrounding areas in the Cape, gathered to treat visitors to delicious traditional feasts, dance, song, weaving, shelter and tool making.
This was also a hands-on opportunity for people to learn about Indigenous fire as a cultural land management practice from Victor Steffensen who learnt traditional knowledge from Kuku-Thaypan Elders, the late Dr. Tommy George and Dr. George Musgrave.
Indigenous communities from all over Australia including regional NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, travelled up to Cape York to experience and participate first hand in Indigenous burning, learn about research methodologies and Aboriginal perspectives on ecology.
Community spirit and strength is strong to continue the knowledge and practice.
For more information visit:
capeyorkfire.com.au/
facebook.com/indigenousfire/
This film was produced by:
Victor Steffensen, Mulong
Jacqueline Gothe, UTS
Peta Standley, Cape York NRM
Vera Hong Productions
Text by Vera Hong
