Australia Awards South and West Asia

Ahead of NAIDOC Week 2024, Australia Awards scholars from Bhutan and India 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 discussion of this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.

Bhutanese scholar Jangchu Tshomo said, “The stunning landscape and rich culture were matched by the inspiring and friendly participants. This trip revealed that each Indigenous Country has its own unique culture and creation stories. Their diversity and uniqueness were truly amazing, and it was like discovering a remarkable part of Australia.”

Bhutanese scholar Jangchu Tshomo at the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia.

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.

Bhutanese scholar Jigme Lhazen commented on how Kaurna and Bhutanese people share a profound love for nature and a strong commitment to the conservation and preservation of ancestral traditions. “This beautiful experience of witnessing the Kaurna people’s harmonious relationship with their environment reminded me of Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which emphasises sustainable development and cultural preservation,” said.

Bhutanese scholar Jigme Lhazen hugging the 800-year-old canoe tree at the Warriparinga wetlands in Adelaide.

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.

Indian scholar Ranjot is welcomed with traditional ochre face paint from Peter at the Willum Warrain Aboriginal bush nursery in Hastings, Victoria.

In Sydney, scholars embarked on a cultural cruise run by Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and learnt about the history and traditional culture of Sydney Harbour.

Indian scholars Sareem Sandeed (left) and Navjot Wadhwa (second from left) are welcomed at the cultural cruise by a representative of the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation in Sydney

Stories of the Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people were shared on board the cruise before the scholars disembarked on Clark Island. There, the scholars learnt about life pre-colonisation, the coastal lifestyle, and traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques.

Main picture: Bhutanese scholar Jangchu Tshomo (left) and Indian scholar Ashwarya Tyagi (right) at the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia.