Our ever increasing fuel loads are reaching catastrophic levels and are threatening our people, property and environment.
Regardless of your views on climate change, the fuel load issue is the only part of the equation that we can do something about. We react to fire without fully understanding and embracing its true potential as a tool for cleansing and rejuvenating the land.
This video was created as part of a photographic and book production by Peter McConchie.
Fire book by Peter McConchie and Cape York Elders from damien curtis on Vimeo.
Fire and the Story of Burning Country spoken through the timeless wisdom of Australian Indigenous Elders teaches us how to care for country using cool burning techniques to prevent wildfires, reduce carbon emissions, cleanse the land of weeds and excessive fuel loads, build healthy soil and much more. It is high time this way of managing the land was recognised and respected by we the broader community.
The catalyst for this book was the devastating Victorian bushfires of Black Saturday February 2009,as I was contacted soon after by Cape York Elders firstly to express their sadness about the tragic loss of life and to extend an invitation to come with them and record the story of traditional land management with fire.
After a big journey up in the Cape under the guidance of the Elders the book was ready to present to the world. Fire and the story of Burning Country is Peter’s seventh book and he decided to self publish to ensure its longevity in the market place.
The message in this story highlights the important contribution that the First people of Australia have made caring for the land uninterrupted until colonisation began. They now wish to continue their cultural and spiritual practice in caring for the land for the benefit of all Australians. Fire and the Story of Burning Country is a stepping stone to achieving this. This story also makes the important point about the relationship between Indigenous employment, health and a peoples rightful place to care for country.
You may still be able to get yourself a copy of this book at http://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/shop or http://www.riverandsol.com.au/books/