Australia Awards South and West Asia

On 7–14 July 2024, Australia marks NAIDOC Week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of First Nations Australians. Ahead of NAIDOC Week, Australia Awards scholars from Bangladesh have participated in Indigenous engagement activities across Australia. These opportunities provided the scholars with an appreciation of Indigenous Australians’ culture, history and achievements.

One of the highlights of these events was a three-day, two-night immersive First Nations experience held in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. Fourteen scholars from South Asia and Mongolia, including several who are indigenous or from traditionally marginalised groups, travelled from across Australia to participate. Scholars undertook tours to learn about the relationship that the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of the greater Ikara and Flinders Ranges area, have with the environment. Scholars also learnt about Indigenous perspectives through a yarning circle around a campfire at Ikara, leading to a conversation around this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.

Khokon Suiten Murmu, a scholar from Bangladesh’s indigenous Santal group, said this study tour widened his knowledge about First Nations culture and cosmology. “As an indigenous man from Bangladesh, the knowledge I gained from this experience will enhance my capability in dealing with environmental and sustainability issues when I return to Bangladesh,” he said.

Khokon at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia.

In Brisbane, scholars undertook the Nyanda cultural tour, led by Madonna, a member of the Jagera people. Madonna shared her knowledge of bush food, including edible and medicinal native spices. Bangladeshi scholar Taslima Shirin noted that one of the bush foods was similar to a vegetable in Bangladesh, and this initiated a culinary discussion among the group.

In Perth, scholars participated in a cultural tour of the central business district and Yagan Square delivered by Wadjuk man Justin Martin. Reflecting on her experience, Bangladeshi scholar Shompa Akter remarked, “It was a truly transformative and enlightening journey into the rich culture of the First Nations people. The guide, Justin, shared his deep knowledge of traditional practices, stories and connections to the land while we walked through Yagan Square in Perth. This experience not only broadened my understanding of First Nations heritage but also instilled a profound respect for their traditions and connections to the land.”

Bangladeshi scholar Shompa (middle) with Sri Lankan scholar Thamarika (right) learn about native plants from local guide, Justin Martin (left) in Perth.

In Adelaide, scholars were welcomed at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre with the greeting ‘Niina marni’, which means ‘Hello, how are you?’ in Kaurna language. Taylah, the Indigenous tour guide, led the group around significant Kaurna sites in the south of Adelaide, including Moana Sands Conservation Park and an 800-year-old scarred tree in the Warriparinga wetlands. The scholars learnt about the history of the locations and their cultural significance. Throughout the day, they walked together on Country, fostering a sense of connection and unpacking shared understanding of cultural values.

Over in Canberra, at Wildbark, scholars took part in a Country walk led by Richie Allan, a Ngunnawal Kamilaroi custodian who was born in Ngunnawal Country. Richie introduced the scholars to the concept of Caring for Country, which refers to Indigenous people’s connection to the management of land, water, plants and animals. Bangladeshi scholar Fariba Halim Aurin expressed her gratitude to Richie for generously sharing his wisdom and highlighting the vibrant, generations-spanning tapestry of Ngunnawal life.

Bangladeshi scholars Fariba Halim Aurin (far left) and Tarikul Islam (second from right) with Richie Allan (middle) and other scholars from Sri Lanka and Nepal during the Country walk in Canberra.

In Melbourne, scholars travelled to the Willum Warrain Aboriginal bush nursery in Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula. Peter Aldenhoven, a Quandamooka man and the founding member and CEO of Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association which owns and operates the nursery, began the tour with a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and face-painting using ochre. Peter then imparted his knowledge about the Koorie bush tucker trail, traditional huts, material culture and the local flora of the Mornington Peninsula.

In Sydney, scholars embarked on a cultural tour run by Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and learnt about the history and traditional culture of Sydney Harbour. Stories of the Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people were shared during their travel to Clark Island. There, the scholars learnt about life pre-colonisation, the coastal lifestyle, and traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques.

Main picture (left to right): Bangladeshi scholars Rubiat Islam, Mohoua Sobnam and Hasan Ibna Kamal at the Willum Warrain Aboriginal bush nursery.