Non Indigenous Science and Land Management
Introduction
Science in western society is removed from the general
public's
experience. In indigenous society, science is integrated into
the
cultural practices.
I feel (from an indigenous perspective) western scientists
conduct
test on the environment without recognising the results of
the Traditional
Owners (TO) care for the land. The results of TO's care for the
land is a healthy environment. Scientists seem to feel the need
to measure small sections of the land and create models for the
rest of the environment. The science inherent in TO knowledge
needs
to be incorporated into western practices more fully.
The Northern Territory Bushfire council management policy
"is
to protect life, assets and the environment from the effects of
uncontrolled fire, and the maintenance of natural resources,
including
native ecosystems and productive lands, by the use of
appropriate
fire regimes." (Bushfire Council, 1993).
There is no recognition of the cultural role of fire in
relation
to the land.
Discussion
Jeremy Russell- Smith, from the Bushfire council of the NT said
that "Fire is a subject that's fundamental to all people
on the land across northern Australia pastoralists, aborigines,
and conservationists. The real task before us is the management
of it."(1998)
Alan Anderson argues that fire managers in the Northern Australia
needs to become more preoccupied with controlling fire and more
focussed on the ecological outcomes rather than on prescribed burning
pattens (Anderson, 1999).
Scientist argues that fire management is all about
management of
the land, Aboriginal people would properly agree but each
manager
is different, changing old people ways is sometimes like talking
to a brick wall, Indigenous or non indigenous. Some people will
disagree with this comment because; there are so many
conflicting
arguments and issues. In summing up there has to be a
holistic approach
to benefit all human beings.
Summary
Previously, Aboriginal practices included a varied fire regime.
Today, historical Aboriginal fire practices have been mistakenly
described as repetitive, rather than varied. Aboriginal people were
hunters and gathers and used fire for culture reasons. Today a lot
of fire management is for the sake of protection of property. We
should aim for a combination of traditional and current fire regimes
for the sake of the country.
|
