Australian landscapes have been changed drastically by agricultural practices brought here by European settlers. Some of these have had dramatic impacts on the health of ecosystems and the productivity of farms in Australian climates. One way of addressing these issues is to draw upon the expertise of Australia’s Aboriginal people who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. In practice, however, this is easier said than done given the myriad of social and historical issues that continue to divide indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Harry White is a Gamilaraay elder that has spent much of his career working with indigenous communities throughout the Northern Tablelands Region of NSW. In his current role as Senior Land Services Officer for Local Land Services he works to bridge cultural and communication gaps between indigenous and non-indigenous communities to improve land management practices and provide employment, development and education opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Keep an eye out for Harry’s books on Aboriginal languages, plant use, and archaeology (‘Speaking Our Way’, ‘Bushtucker, Boomerangs & Bandages’, and ‘Sticks and Stones’) . And learn more about Local Land Services here.

Music: ‘Strange Stuff’ by Sonic Wallpaper – www.sonicwallpaper.bandcamp.com