EXPERIENCE
CULTURE ON COUNTRY
Welcome to Country
A ‘Welcome to Country’ is a ceremony performed by Aboriginal people to welcome visitors to their traditional land. This ancient practice involves various rituals, one of which may include a smoking ceremony. The Welcome to Country acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and shows respect for the Aboriginal peoples' connection to their land. It is a way to pay respect to the cultural protocols and traditions of the local Indigenous community. Only Traditional Owners or custodians of the land on which the event is taking place can perform a Welcome to Country. The smoking ceremony is an ancient custom among Aboriginal Australians, believed to have cleansing properties, and is used to ward off bad spirits, acknowledge ancestors, and pay respect to the land and sea. It involves burning native plants, such as eucalyptus leaves, and allowing the smoke to cleanse the area and participants.
These ceremonies are significant in acknowledging and respecting the cultural heritage of Aboriginal people, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the land and its traditional custodians.
Exploring the riverine ecosystem
Rivers are of profound importance to Aboriginal people, embodying deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological connections. These waterways are vital for sustenance, community cohesion, and the continuation of cultural traditions. Rivers are integral to Djang (Dreamtime) stories, which form the foundation of Aboriginal spirituality. These stories describe the creation of the world, the actions of ancestral beings, and the formation of the landscape, including rivers and waterholes. Traditional ecological knowledge, which includes understanding the seasonal cycles of rivers, water management, and sustainable fishing practices, is a vital aspect of Aboriginal culture.
Ethnobotanical exploration
Ethnobotany is the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of Indigenous plants. It encompasses the complex relationships between people and plants, including their use for food, medicine, shelter, tools, clothing, and in cultural and spiritual practices. For Aboriginal people, ethnobotanical knowledge is a crucial aspect of their culture and survival, developed over tens of thousands of years. Ethnobotany highlights the profound relationship between Aboriginal people and their environment, showcasing a deep understanding and sustainable use of plant resources. Preserving and respecting this knowledge is not only vital for maintaining cultural heritage but also for promoting biodiversity and ecological health. Through the integration of traditional practices with modern conservation efforts, the ethnobotanical heritage of Aboriginal people can continue to thrive and benefit future generations.
The Bat-Luk (Stone Kantri) Escarpment exploration
The Leliyn (Edith Falls) escarpment holds significant cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance to the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of the land. The escarpment is part of a diverse and rich ecosystem that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to the region. The escarpment, waterfalls and associated waterways create microhabitats that are crucial for many species, including aquatic plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife. The presence of perennial water sources is vital for sustaining life in this otherwise arid region.
The Stone House to Lerr-Luk (Sacred Ancestral Camp)
Journey through one of the most significant relationships between Stone Kantri, culture and Djang (Dreaming) for the local Aboriginal people. Beginning at the 'Stone House', where generations of Traditional Owners have learned about their ancient and sacred origins and responsibilities, we then follow Stow Creek and the route of the Australian Overland Telegraph Line. The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was an electrical telegraph system for sending messages the 3,200 kilometres between Darwin and Adelaide. Completed in 1872, it allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. The line was one of the great engineering feats of 19th-century Australia and probably the most significant milestone in the history of telegraphy in Australia. The management of the construction was overseen by South Australia’s Superintendent of Telegraphs, Charles Todd. The ephemeral Todd River was named after him, and a waterhole in the bed of the Todd River was named Alice Springs for his wife, Alice, and subsequently used for the telegraph station, and later the town. Along the way, we have the opportunity to explore rock holes and swim in water holes, before arriving at Lerr-Luk, the Sacred Ancestral Camp of the local Aboriginal people.