Supporting retention of cultural knowledSupporting retention of cultural knowledge

Supporting retention of cultural knowledge

In the past, Tjukurpa guided the day-to-day lives of Aṉangu through the search for food and resources, storytelling and ceremony (inma). Since European settlement, the movement of Aṉangu off their country, sometimes far

away from their ancestoral lands, limited opportunities to spend time on-country and undertake important land management practices. This has resulted in a loss of some cultural knowledge and traditions, particularly as many senior Aṉangu have passed away without the opportunity to share important information. As the number senior Aṉangu gets smaller, so too does the body of cultural knowledge, beliefs and practices that define Aṉangu culture.

However, the retention and transmission of much of the cultural knowledge associated with Tjukurpa remains strong and is expressed through the continuation of inma, visiting country, strong kinship relationships and retention and use of language. The strength of the Aṉangu cultural knowledge that remains is reflected in the listing of the park as a World Heritage area for its cultural values as a living cultural landscape.

Despite these measures, Nguraṟitja express concern that cultural knowledge is still being lost, with social changes associated with living sedentary lifestyles impacting the transfer of knowledge to younger generations (see Feature Box 3). Consequently, there is an urgent need to pass on and document many

aspects of Tjukurpa and cultural knowledge. Retention of this knowledge is not only critical for current and future generations of Aṉangu but also for the long-term management of the park. In addition, the loss of this knowledge erodes the World Heritage cultural values of the park. Parks Australia supports the maintenance of culture through facilitation of on-country activities and incorporation of Aṉangu knowledge in management programs. See Section 2.2 Work planning and implementation, for further information about how Parks Australia supports Aṉangu to maintain culture.