Indigenous knowledges and perspectives

This book is useful for an insight into the complexity of First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. Written by knowledge holders from Gumatj Country, that is often called Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, the Gay’wu group of women explain many aspects of their knowledge systems and cultural practices, including the way knowledge is collectively held and transmitted. It incorporates what are commonly called Dreaming stories, or knowledge stories, etched in Country, conveyed through song and shared along kinship lines.

This book is useful for the way it explains First Nations ways of knowing. This book is co-written by Adjunct Professor Margo Neale from the Kulin nation and non-Indigenous writer Lynne Kelly, who openly share their respective ways of knowing. They explain that knowledge is embedded in and across Country via ‘songlines’, providing an extraordinary ‘library’ and tool for knowing. They weave ideas together across different domains to show that this is a way of knowing, and timeless.

This book is useful for learning about the beauty and vibrancy of Country. Co-written by non-Indigenous artist Vicky Shukuroglou and Professor Bruce Pascoe who describes himself as Koori, this book looks at particular places around Australia and explains First Nations ways of knowing and experiencing the location, ranging through creation, history and living knowledge stories.

This book is useful for the way it shows the continuity and relevance of First Nations knowledge and practices. Tagalak knowledge holder Victor Steffensen explains cultural burning, the practice of managing Country through specific and deliberate uses of fire. He positions himself in relation to coming to have that knowledge and his responsibility of stewardship and sharing, and tells the story of the nation-state of Australia coming to terms with its abuse of Country and wilful ignoring of First Nations knowledge of fire. He argues that by reinstating cultural burning practices, First Nations people can help to revive this continent; this is an act of love for Country and necessary for the survival of us all.

This website is useful for insights into Yolngu culture and knowledge processes.
Yolngu people live in what is often called north-east Arnhem Land. People introduce themselves according to their kinship and knowledge, and share knowledge about Sea Country in ways that link the non-Indigenous domains of science and art. This site is part of a larger project about embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in curriculum – a great resource for teachers!