Links re indigenous cultural burning

I am not indigenous and so can't speak with authority on this topic. However I believe it is hugely important that Australians of all backgrounds learn about, and respect, indigenous fire management. Indigenous people cared for country, and where possible continue to do so. Their care shaped the beautiful landscape encountered, and rapidly exploited, by European settlers. If we care about that landscape and the native plants and animals it supports, we should be listening to the people who knew, and know, how to look after it.

Over recent years there have been a number of initiatives which have revived and expanded indigenous fire management. Here's some starting-points to find out more:

The Firesticks Alliance is an on-going initiative that started in northern NSW. Firesticks promotes cultural burning for healthy communities and landscapes.

Over the last 20 years Victor Steffensen has been educating Australians about indigenous fire management with patience and persistence. Victor learnt about fire from elders in his community on Cape York. His website, Mulong, has lots of information and links. Googling Victor Steffensen brings up recent media interviews.

Across Australia's Northern Savannas, indigenous fire management over recent years has focused on reducing hot, extensive late dry-season fires, through early dry-season burning. Western science teamed with indigenous knowledge and practice has reduced carbon emissions, enhanced habitat values, provided employment and connected people more firmly to country. Find out more in these videos: