Kakadu Dreaming: Land Of The Bininj/Mungguy

This week I was off to Australia's Top End: The Northern Territories. My main reason for heading to the Top was to get buy-in to the US Agreement from the Bushfire NT, the lead bushfire agency in the Northern Territories. However, whilst in Adelaide a few months back, some of you may remember I was on an Aboriginal panel discussing the role of fire in a cultural plant context. One of my panel-mates (Peter Christopherson) invited me to his traditional lands....the lands of the Bininj/Mungguy. I couldn't refuse, and now that I was finally heading north, what better time to meet with some of the Traditional Owners of the Kakadu (http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/) and look at some of the traditional wetland burning. As you can tell from the photos, I saw more than just a few things in addition to bush burning.

Kakadu has been home to Bininj/Mungguy Aboriginal people for more than 50,000 years, and during that time the land and their culture have become intertwined. Looking after and living off country is an important part of Aboriginal culture, a culture they are happy to share. Kakadu National Park is jointly managed by its Traditional Owners and the Australian Government, through the Kakadu Board of Management and the Director of National Parks.

Many similar characteristics and challenges faced in Kakadu are manifest in many tribal communities around the US. I thought quite a bit about Warm Springs as I was reminded many times of culture, natural resources and social management challenges; half a world away but still very similar Indigenous issues. A couple exceptions I would be quick to point out: Freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. First time I've every been an option on a menu. Forces one to reevaluate the meaning of the hunter and the hunted. Refines ones focus. Provides clarity of purpose. I think you understand.

The photos are from a couple of Ranger-led tours (via boat and on ground) on Monday and Tuesday as well as a flight over the park. Cheers all!