Mar 14 • 00:15 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

'Sleeping' Indigenous burning technique awakens in Cape Hillsborough

Cultural burning practices have been revived by the Yuwi people in Yuwibara Country, Australia, marking the first such practice since colonisation.

In a significant cultural revival, the Yuwi people have conducted their first Cultural Healing Burn in Yuwibara Country, north Queensland, since before colonisation, reflecting a deep-rooted practice that spans over 60,000 years. This event was made possible after the Yuwi were officially recognized as the traditional custodians of this land six years ago, enabling them to reclaim their traditional land management techniques. The Cultural Healing Burn is intended not only to rejuvenate the land but also to promote biodiversity by maintaining ecosystems and protecting endangered species within the region.

The Cape Hillsborough area, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, serves as an essential backdrop for this revival of Indigenous practices. The national park, located about 40 minutes north of Mackay, is a habitat for over 850 species, including rare birds and bats, providing a critical environment for biodiversity. The collaboration between Indigenous elders and Queensland Parks and Wildlife emphasizes a shared commitment to revive traditional ecological knowledge, which has been essential for effective land stewardship over millennia.

Moving forward, the Yuwi people, alongside conservation partners, hope to spread the use of their techniques across a broader area, fostering a greater understanding of the importance of cultural practices in land management. This revival not only serves as a technique to heal the environment but also strengthens the identity and cultural heritage of the Yuwi community, promoting a future where their ancestral wisdom guides contemporary environmental practices and conservation efforts.

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