T. T. Hwara 1 10 17 9 2 8 5
Assessment 3:
Research Essay
(COMM 2060)
Hwara Takudzwa, Talent
3. Discuss the role of Indigenous people and traditional ecological knowledge in land, water and/or biodiversity conservation now and in the past – use particular examples.
During the course of this study, we as students were acquainted with the substantial knowledge essential to the Indigenous Australians history and culture. We ascertained knowledge on the colonial policies and processes, bio-diversity and complexity of Indigenous Australian cultures. We most importantly learnt on the vital roles played by the Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Ecological Knowledge in conserving water, land and biodiversity.
The Indigenous peoples of Australia are considered as the direct descendants of Australia with the oldest surviving culture in the world (Korff, 2017). Also known as Aboriginal Australians, an Indigenous person is seen as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descendant, if they identify as an Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander and is accepted as such by the society in which they live (Korff, 2017). The Indigenous peoples have been in Australia for over 60 000 years (Shareourpride, 2017). Although there were considerable interactions and trade with the different groups that inhabited Australia in the past, there was no contact or exchange of cultures or wisdom between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the world (Shareourpride, 2017). Back in 1788 the first convoy of Europeans arrived and built a colony at Port Jackson in Sydney, New South Wales, marking the beginning of the lasting European penetration of their lands (Shareourpride, 2017). When the British power was developed in Australia, the establishments and settlements spread quickly across the continent and at least 3 of 4 Aboriginal Australians did not survive this colonisation (Shareourpride, 2017). Throughout the years Indigenous people have continually strived to gain full recognition and rights over their lands, ever-since this significant event.
It can be gathered from the above summary and through research that land, as well as water is fundamental to the well-being of the Aboriginal people. It’s more than just soil or rocks or minerals, but a whole nature that upholds and is sustained by the people and culture (Australian Government, 2015). To the Indigenous people land is the foundation of all spirituality and their relationships and spirit of country are crucial to the issues that are essential to them (Australian Government, 2015). Knowledge of land is highly connected to the Aboriginals’ unique tracing skills centred on their hunter and gather l...
