Smoking ceremony marks start of fire season in District 14

Member News image

 

District 14 has marked the introduction of the Fire Danger Period with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country from Wurundjeri elder Uncle Ringo.

 

ACFO Tim Holland invited members of District 14 and partner agencies to the ceremony at the District 14 Headquarters in Melton.  

In introducing Uncle Ringo, Tim noted the links CFA has with Indigenous people through fire, and the shared connection we have to the land we protect.

“On this rapidly urban developing and expanding landscape, we are all very familiar with fire," Tim said.

"We have experienced its devastating power, but recognise it need.”

Uncle Ringo told the gathering about his people’s appreciation of the natural environment, including the impacts of fire and flood on the landscape. He explained how his people adjust to the changing environment around them, living in the landscape rather than on it. Uncle 

Uncle Ringo then spoke about the significance of the smoking ceremony, and how it had been the first exposure he had to his culture.

He invited those present to think about their connection to the land as well as the links created by the burning of leaves gathered locally to remember ancestors as he lit a small fire and placed green Eucalyptus leaves on top. He then welcomed those present to Wurundjeri lands.

It was a moving experience for those present, and it opened a window into the culture of the people who have lived in this landscape for tens of thousands of years.  

Tim said the opportunity to bring the partner agencies together was a valuable one.

“Today was not only about the experience of the smoking ceremony, it was about our connections - the importance of the relationship between Aboriginal and Indigenous people, our agencies and the land that we share," Tim said.

Tim said he hoped the smoking ceremony gave those present the opportunity to see the environment from a different perspective, and to understand why we consider the Indigenous heritage of areas when we are managing fires in the landscape.

 

  • Member News imageWurundjeri Elder Uncle Ringo spoke of the way indigenous people see their connection to land and how they live in the landscape. Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle Tony in background.
  • Member News image Uncle Ringo explained the significance of the smoking ceremony, not just to his people, but also to him personally.
  • Member News image Uncle Ringo explained how the leaves were gathered locally and invited those present to reflect on the ancestors as they were added to the fire.
  • Member News image The smoking ceremony gave those present an opportunity to gain some insight into indigenous culture.
  • Member News image
Submitted by Trevor Kinsey