"Our ancestors managed fire country for millennia. We yearn to burn once more"

[Matilda]

A very beautiful piece from the Indigenous perspective. Unfortunately, our government has a policy of ignoring the first people.

"We live in fire country as taught through fire lore, this is how I understand what is happening across country. These times are hard for us first peoples, so often we are ignored.

"People all over the world are watching as we see what happens when you break lore on fire country. I always seek to acknowledge country and serve her lore.

"Country is our mother, she provides everything. Our energy, protection, air, water, food, shelter, identity, cultural, spirit and so much more. It is important to respect country and give more then you take. It is our custom to share and be humble in our offerings to country. If we break lore, we lose our way and end up here like today.

"A world on fire at the micro and the macro. These fires driven by mismanagement of country and climate change are a reflection of the impacts of colonisation on first peoples all over the world."

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/28/our-ancestors-managed-fire-country-for-millennia-we-yearn-to-burn-once-more


There have been increasing calls for us to listen to the Indigenous people on fire management, but this government, as always, is completely blinkered.

[Mickju]

1. I found that very moving.

Thank you!

[Matilda]

2. Me too!

[bobbieinok]

3. But--but--but only white men know what to do!!/sarcasm

Indigenous people--esp of Australia--were used in early anthropology of 20th cent as THE prime example of primitive peoples vs the pinnacle of civilization, white males in British academia. Some of these writings IIRC are truly incredible

I first heard of some of these writings in an undergrad anthro course in late 50s in all white class

It was shocking to hear the same info in late 70s audited class with students from Africa, Asia!!