More than 100 Aboriginal rangers will meet at Tilmouth Well this week for the Central Land Council’s annual ranger camp.
The launch of a bilingual animal tracking training package combining traditional and modern teaching techniques is this year’s camp highlight.
The CLC developed Yitaki Maninjaku Ngurungka [pronounce YEE-tuh-key MA-nin-tja-koo NGOO-roon-kuh] (reading the country) to ensure future rangers maintain ancient tracking knowledge and skills.
The training package features tailored learning activities supported by resources in Warlpiri and English.
Kuyu pungu [pronounce KOO-yu POONG-u] (experienced trackers), knowledge holders, educators and language experts developed it with the CLC’s Warlpiri and North Tanami rangers and other staff during the past three years.
Fourteen CLC ranger groups will explore the resources for the first time at the ranger camp on Tuesday afternoon.
The resources are ready to be adapted for other language groups across Australia’s deserts.
Kuyu pungu Jerry Jangala’s teaching style – the Jangala Method – was vital to the Yitaki Maninjaku Ngurungka project.
The elder from Lajamanu likes to ask questions that encourage learners to “push deeper”, but “nati yirdi-manta” (does not give away the answer) too soon.
“We talk about asking questions [so learners] give the right answer [to] get the right words into their hearts and minds,” he said.
Elder Enid Gallagher has been part of the project from the start.
“We have worked together to develop new ways to use old methods like recount and repetition. We have seen that recycling these old ways is working,” she said.
“On a recent biodiversity survey the rangers responded really well and got really excited from learning in this way.”
The camp allows rangers from the CLC region and beyond to upskill, take part in training and network.
Rangers will learn how to operate skid steer and four-wheel drive vehicles, practice catching poisonous snakes and will take part in first aid and smartphone video training.
This year’s ranger camp will focus on the rangers’ health and wellbeing, with the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory delivering a mental health and a culturally responsive trauma informed program.
Guest speaker Cissy Gore Birch, a Jaru and Kija woman with more than 20 years of experience in land management and community development will speak about her journey and carbon farming.
The ranger camp is the CLC’s main professional development event for the men and women who make up its 15 ranger groups.
Contact: Sophia Willcocks | 0488 984 885 | Ranger camp program available from media@clc.org.au