Canadian-Australian Cultural Fire Knowledge Exchange

The Department Fire and Emergency Services’ Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE), in partnership with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), was proud to welcome recognised Canadian leaders in Indigenous fire and land management to WA in April.

Acknowledging the importance of partnering with First Nations cultural knowledge holders, the BCoE’s Cultural Fire Program hosted the University of British Columbia’s Indigenous Ecology Lab researcher Jennifer Grenz, Mitigating Wildfire Initiative co-founder and director Yolanda Clathworthy and Salish Firekeepers Society researcher, land steward, native seed and cultural fire advocate Tiffany Traverse.

The international visitors were given a tour of the state-of-the-art BCoE facility, the first of its kind in Australia. They learnt that the design was informed by First Nations Australians culture and fire practices and contemporary bushfire management principles and practice.

During their visit, the visitors gave a presentation on their work, reflected on the knowledge exchange and invited audience discussion with staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the DFES Rural Fire Division and other invited stakeholders. Their contributions strengthened relationships while building trust, credibility and cultural capability.

“There are many similar issues and challenges in Canada and Australia” AFAC Prescribed Burning Strategy national manager Trevor Howard said. “This exchange has highlighted valuable opportunities for meaningful dialogue and shared learning.”

While on Nyungar Boodja, the international trio visited multiple sites on Country, travelling to Bindjareb Park, Busselton, Beverley, Mahogany Creek and Gidgegannup. The visit included ceremonies on Country tours and yarning sessions with Nyungar Elders and knowledge holders, sharing an understanding of not just techniques and knowledge of cultural fire but Indigenous knowledge as well.

“it’s hard to keep track of how many days we’ve been here, because I feel like my brain and my heart is so full. We’ve had such amazing conversations, with folks out on Country”, Dr Grenz said.

In keeping with Cultural customs, Dr Grenz presented the BCoE with a signed copy of her book Medicine Wheel for the Planet, a Canadian national bestseller that focuses on the integration of Western science and Indigenous ecology to heal the environment.

Following Cultural protocols, the BCoE and AFAC gifted the guests with copies of the Mungah artwork, by Bindjareb Nyungar artists Karrie Anne and Aunty Gloria Kearing, as a reminder of their visit to the centre.

To hear directly from those involved, watch the video highlighting their experience. 

Stay connected with stories like this, plus updates on training, capability development, research, Cultural Fire and bushfire knowledge by subscribing to the Karla Katitjin Quarterly Newsletter.