Caring for culture and country

The importance of ‘‘gayini’’ (the Nari Nari word for water) and land to First Nations people across the Murray-Darling Basin was a feature presentation at the River Reflections annual water conference in Griffith.

First Nations Murray-Darling Basin Authority member Rene Woods, who was appointed to the authority late last year, shared his insights on the importance of learning and understanding from First Nations people and their gayini requirements, including the 65,000 years of management of these resources.

“Water is an intrinsic part of the cultural and spiritual identity of First Nations people and we are working towards an increased role for First Nations people to manage and plan for water operations,” Mr Woods said.

“I have seen first-hand how managing country for conservation, sustainable agriculture and indigenous heritage works well.

“I have been involved with the Nature Conservancy Australia program at Gayini Nimmie-Caira in southern NSW where we have seen endangered birds and animals return to the landscape that is now thriving under First Nations custodianship.

“It’s been a collaborative project drawing on the traditional knowledge of the Nari Nari people and expertise from other organisations.

“There have been both cultural and environmental benefits through this work which is really exciting.”

Mr Woods said there had been research with The National Cultural Flows Research Project at Gooraman Swamp in the northern basin.

“It’s a highly significant area for the First Nations mob that shows where the connectivity of ground and surface water is very important to First Nations people.

“Getting back to country and improving its health has meant more healthy people.

“We are also looking for opportunities to increase the participation of women in the First Nations space as women hold a lot of knowledge around water.”

The inaugural River Reflections conference was held on Wednesday, June 9, and Thursday, June 10.

The conference was sold-out, with 130 delegates attending in person and more joining online.