Country rich in traditional ecological knowledge, languages, art and cultural practices
Australia is home to the world's oldest continuing culture that has seen Indigenous peoples caring for Country for over 65,000 years. Today, Indigenous peoples of Australia continue to hold vital and intricate ecological knowledge of the land—as well as their ancient management practices—that they have passed down from generation to generation through stories, paintings, language, special places and ceremonies.Arnhem Land was one of the last regions in Australia to be colonised due to its remote, rugged terrain and harsh tropical climate. As a result, the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land have maintained much of their distinct norms, values and belief systems. There are still Elders living today who grew up on Country prior to, or at the time of, European colonisation.
The distinct cultural heritage of Bininj (Indigenous people of this region) is evident in a strong kinship system, shared dreaming tracks, songlines and creation stories which are often performed in ceremonies. The physical presence of this cultural heritage can be seen in a network of sacred sites and in the extraordinary number of kunwarddebim (rock art) galleries found across the Arnhem Escarpment—perhaps the richest collection of undiscovered rock art in the world. Today's Bininj ascribe great emotional significance to these places where previous generations left their unique signatures in the landscape.Cultural heritage and ancestral connections are at risk of being lost as support for communities to live on homelands wanes, and Traditional Owners struggle to physically visit their Country to continue their care for it. Those who grew up on Country are ageing and passing away, and with them the language, stories, ceremonies and knowledge they hold. Some of the rock art itself is also enduring damage from feral animals and wildfires, and is in need of active management to safeguard it for future generations.
