6 July 2018

IN PHOTOS: UNIQUE SKILLS AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

For many years, Indigenous women rangers have used their ecological knowledge to protect Australia’s unique plant species. “Women rangers manage woman-only cultural sites, and mentor female students from school. Women’s rangers are better at identifying bush tucker and bush medicine, we learn from old ladies” – Helma Bernard, Gurindji Ranger. Read the story of how these women are using their Traditional Knowledge to grow plants into successful bush product businesses. The Bardi Jawi Oorany, Nyul Nyul and Karajarri women rangers in the Kimberley are using their ecological knowledge of plants to protect and propagate native plant species. They are also working with their communities to share this knowledge and highlight the benefits of their meaningful work on Country.

Close up native plants at a bush products workshop on the Dampier Peninsula © Kimberley Land Council

Native plants are grown and nurtured by Kimberley women rangers. They have invaluable knowledge about the medicinal, ecological, spiritual, and ornamental uses of these plants.

Women rangers transforming native plants into bush products © Kimberley Land Council

The Kimberley Land Council hosts four women ranger teams who are in the early stages of developing social enterprises based on traditional bush products.

Native plants being transformed into bush products © Kimberley Land Council

The women have been experimenting with different plants and products, combining Traditional Knowledge with contemporary techniques, and have staged local workshops that are bringing together elders and expert consultants.

Bardi Jawi Oorany Ranger Jonelle Ketchell learning how to make ointments © Kimberley Land Council

The rangers have already identified local markets within their communities, such as tourism operators, cafes, market stalls, galleries, and health services. However, in the long-term, they may look into developing higher-end products to sell to national and international supply chains.

Nyul Nyul Ranger Devena Cox mastering ratios for bush products © Kimberley Land Council

With the help of senior women cultural advisors, the Bardi Jawi Oorany Rangers have also developed a plant storybook that showcases Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Senior Bardi Jawi Cultural Advisor Bernadette Angus often shares her unique knowledge of Country and plants with the younger rangers © Kimberley Land Council

These strong women are at the first ever west Kimberley women rangers camp at Milagoon on the Dampier Peninsula. They shared their knowledge and ideas, and workshopped methods in developing bush products.

Women rangers at the first ever west Kimberley women rangers camp, Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley

Back row: Coordinator Debbie Sibosado (BJO), Rangers Devena Cox (NN), Jacqueline Shovellor (KJ), Elaine Riley (BJO), Katie Kitchener (NN), Shirley Thomas (BJO) Front row: Rangers Tamara Sebastien (NN), Tatjiana Bin Rashid (BJO) and Jonelle Ketchell (BJO)

The story of these women rangers of the Kimberley is just one example of what is being achieved by Indigenous women who are caring for Country across Australia, and the importance of building a strong support network that can build the capacity of these women, promote job security and long-term outcomes.

They face challenges and difficulties every day, but as role models for the young females in their communities, you couldn’t find better. Discover more about the inspiring work being carried out by Indigenous women rangers on our website in the Country Needs People report - ‘Strong Women on Country’ and Kimberley Land Council's website.

With thanks to our partner Kimberley Land Council (KLC)