Wotjobaluk traditional owners rekindle traditional burning
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Forest Fire Management Victoria is committed to working with Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners to reinforce cultural land management practices across the Wimmera and reduce bushfire risk to communities.
A Wotjobaluk traditional burn at the Centenary Park Camping and Picnic Area within the Mt. Arapiles-Tooan State Park is planned for today, Thursday 28 June. Residents and motorists along Western Highway between Goroke to the west and Horsham to the east may see or smell smoke associated with this planned burn.
Pictured above: the 2017 burn at the same location. Photo courtesy of Damien Skurrie.
Aboriginal planned burns, which are typically cooler, slower burns where fire is lit in patches that allow the flames to take their natural paths, are becoming entrenched in the Wimmera Fire District's planned burning program.
Working in partnership with Forest Fire Management Victoria, Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners have been planning this burn for some months now, a continuation of last years' re-introduction of ancient Aboriginal fire practices into the landscape.
Wotjobaluk Traditional Owner and Parks Victoria Ranger Damien Skurrie is passionate about this opportunity to continue Aboriginal burning in the Mt Arapiles-Tooan landscape.
"I'm so proud to rekindle this once forgotten practice on my country and know that my ancestors are looking down and observing what we are doing," Mr Skurrie said.
"Being able to practice my culture is important because it's how we connect to or identify with this country as Aboriginal people; it is important that we continue on with this practice for the generations to come."
Forest Fire Management Victoria Wimmera District Manager Glenn Rudolph said: "In partnership with Barengi Gadjin Land Council, 27 June will be a significant day as we return to Mt Arapiles to re-ignite last year's Walpa Dyurrita cultural burn at the base of Mt Arapiles."
"One of the most exciting aspects of this burn is that it will be delivered by Traditional Owner staff from Forest Fire Management Victoria and Barengi Gadjin Land Council, watched over by Wotjobaluk Elders," Mr Rudolph said.
"We are fortunate that we have several Wotjobaluk people within our Forest Fire Management Victoria crews who have extensive experience in contemporary fire management, and can combine current and traditional fire knowledge to better inform our burning practices.
"It is fantastic that the crew lighting the burn are Traditional Owner staff, bringing with them thousands of years of Aboriginal land management knowledge and practices in the Wimmera; we are proud and privileged to once again, be part of this annual event."
Barengi Gadjin Chief Executive Officer Michael Stewart supports the return of traditional burning in this partnership approach.
"Fire has been an integral part of how Wotjobaluk peoples have successfully managed the land for thousands of years," Mr Stewart said.
"To have our members be part of putting fire back into the landscape to help heal Country is a wonderful event for culture and history.
"This burn is critical to the restoration of Country; fire is about health of Country and of People.
"Seeing smoke rising from traditional burns is a powerful and healing sign for everyone, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike."
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