Fires in GunaiKurnai Country: Landscape Fires and their Impacts on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Places and Artefacts in Southeastern Australia

Anthropogenic climate change has led to longer wildfire seasons in Australia, causing more intense fires and devastating impacts on cultural sites. This volume, written by a multi-disciplinary team of Aboriginal Elders and experts, explores the histories of GunaiKurnai and European settler burning-based landscape management practices, the impacts of fire on cultural materials, and the broader impact of changing wildfire patterns on cultural sites. The collaboration between GunaiKurnai and academic expertise aims to address pressing issues and preserve cultural heritage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Anthropogenic climate change has brought about the reality of longer wildfire seasons, resulting in more intense fires across a broader area. In Australia, this has significant implications, particularly for the GunaiKurnai people of southeastern Victoria, who witnessed the devastating impact of the Gippsland Fires during the 'Black Summer' (2019–2020). These fires led to questions about the management of Country and its heritage places and artefacts, as well as the potential role of traditional (cultural) burning in addressing these challenges.

In response to this need, this volume was written at the request of the GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GKLaWAC). It brings together a diverse team of Aboriginal Elders, archaeologists, environmental scientists, ecologists, historians, and art historians. The purpose of this collaboration is to investigate these twin issues: the histories of GunaiKurnai and European settler burning-based landscape management practices, the impacts of fire on specific classes of cultural materials, and the broader impact of changing wildfire patterns on cultural sites in the landscape.

This project is a true testament to the power of collaboration, as GunaiKurnai and academic expertise come together to address common and pressing concerns. By combining their knowledge and perspectives, the team is able to provide valuable insights and recommendations that can contribute to the better management and preservation of cultural heritage in the face of climate change.

The volume begins by exploring the historical context of burning practices in the GunaiKurnai Country. It examines the traditional knowledge and practices of the GunaiKurnai people, as well as the impact of European settler burning on the landscape. The team identifies the key cultural values and beliefs associated with burning, and explores how these have been adapted and transformed over time.

Next, the volume focuses on the impacts of fire on cultural materials. It examines the physical and chemical properties of different materials, and how they respond to fire. The team also considers the social and cultural significance of these materials, and how they are used and valued by the GunaiKurnai people.

The broader impact of changing wildfire patterns on cultural sites in the landscape is also explored. The team examines the effects of climate change on fire behavior, and how this is affecting the distribution and abundance of cultural sites. It considers the potential risks and threats posed by these changes, and the strategies that can be implemented to mitigate them.

Throughout the volume, the team emphasizes the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary research. They draw on a wide range of expertise and perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The findings and recommendations presented in the volume are grounded in rigorous scientific research, but they are also deeply informed by the cultural and historical knowledge of the GunaiKurnai people.

In conclusion, this volume is a significant contribution to the field of cultural heritage management in the context of climate change. It provides valuable insights and recommendations that can help practitioners and policymakers better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with managing cultural heritage in a changing environment. By working together and leveraging their respective expertise, we can ensure that cultural heritage is preserved and protected for future generations.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 174 x 246 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274812