Aboriginal Peoples’ connection to land

Aboriginal People are the ancestors of the original population of their geographical country (Australia). Their understanding of land and water is the living cultural knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation. This forms a rich and significant matrix of people, totemic, social, economic and spiritual connectedness with country. The connectedness extends from the past, and shapes both present and future land and natural resource management.

Traditional ecological knowledge

Aboriginal people have developed their own systems of knowledge and understanding of their ecology which is representative of a living symbiotic relationship with the land and waters of their traditional homeland estates. This knowledge includes widespread systems of knowledge incorporating biodiversity, climate, land, culture and people. Aboriginal People have established a shared living culture with their environment since time immemorial.

Struggle for land

Land is at the basis of all Aboriginal relationships, economies, identities and cultural practices. Despite the loss of land through dispossession, people maintain their connections with lands and waters through storytelling, ceremony and political activism. The fight for recognition of rights to land is a continuous struggle for recognition and respect.


Related Links