Australia Awards South and West Asia

Since 1991, NAIDOC Week has been marked across Australia in the first week of July to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of First Nations Australians. Ahead of this year’s NAIDOC Week, 14 Australia Awards scholars (eight women and six men) from South Asia and Mongolia travelled to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia on 14–16 June for a three-day, two-night First Nations cultural immersion study tour.

The participating scholars were selected through a competitive application process, with a preference for those who identify as indigenous or come from traditionally-marginalised groups, as well as those who excelled in the Scholar Champions Program.

On the first day of the tour, after travelling by bus from Adelaide, participants were welcomed by representatives of the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of the greater Ikara and Flinders Ranges area. Local tour guide John Solar, a Yura man, took the scholars on an adventure to one of the best vantage points to see the sun set over Ikara. He shared stories about the landscape and history of ancient, living Aboriginal culture.

John Solar (second right) with scholars Jileshan Shah from Nepal (far left), Khokon Suiten Murmu (second left) and Preetikana Chakma (far right) from Bangladesh during the tour.

At the Welcome to Country ceremony, John posed a thought-provoking metaphorical question: “What is in your backpack?” He then suggested that we all should carry qualities like openness, curiosity, respect, empathy and forgiveness with us at all times. Sri Lankan scholar Tuan Muhammed Rushdi Cassim found that this concept resonated strongly with him, prompting a deeply personal reflection. He said “Forgiveness struck a deep chord with me. It is a powerful value that allows us to move forward, let go of past grievances and build meaningful relationships.” He then added, “Being a blind Australia Awards scholar, I found this reflection to be of particular significance. The serene landscapes, the rustling of leaves, the feel of the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun on my skin were all brought to life through John’s stories and sharing. I touched and felt the texture of rocks, trees and the earth; listened to the sounds around me; and smelled the natural scents. These experiences underscored the importance of sensory engagement and the unique ways we can connect with the environment.”

The next day, the scholars explored some sites showcasing more than 800 million years of geological history and enjoyed sweeping views of Bunyeroo Valley and the eastern wall of Wilpena Pound. A surprise visit from a group of yellow-footed rock-wallabies was a highlight. John continued to share his knowledge of the landscape and local biodiversity from the perspective of the Yura people.

Khokon Suiten Murmu, a scholar who belongs to the Santal, one of the more than 50 different indigenous communities in Bangladesh, said that the 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.

(From left to right) Khokon with fellow scholars Muawiyath (Muthu) M. Didi from Maldives, Tuan Rushdi from Sri Lanka and Jileshan Shah from Nepal.

Participants were actively engaged throughout the tour. Alice Tamang, Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia’s Indigenous Engagement Adviser, prepared a series of fun learning activities about NAIDOC Week. Conversations and discussions took place around a campfire, leading to consideration of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, loud and proud’.

Pakistani scholar Saira Qayyum noted that this was her first close interaction with the history and culture of Indigenous people in Australia, and she appreciated learning about boomerangs, various kangaroo species and medicinal plants. “Meeting other Australia Awards scholars provided great networking opportunities and enriched our engagement,” she said. “Every activity and all arrangements were perfectly timed. I learnt so much with firsthand experience; it was truly learning by doing.”

On the last day of the study tour, John led the group to Yura Malka (Sacred Canyon), which is only accessible by Adnyamathanha guided tour. The participants learnt about the cultural significance of the site and the creation of the geological formations, and heard the stories behind the ancient rock engravings from the perspective of the Yura people.

Through the exploration of ancient rock carvings, Mongolian scholar Arai Byeibitkhan felt a deep connection to her country. “In the Sacred Canyon, I observed intricate carvings depicting emus and kangaroos, which reminded me of the rich heritage preserved in Mongolia’s rock carvings,” she said. “Our rock art features wild sheep, elk, aurochs and ibex, symbolising the deep bond between our ancestors and the natural world. This experience highlighted the universal human practice of recording and venerating the wildlife that shared our ancestors’ landscapes, creating a cultural and historical connection between Australia and Mongolia.”

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

Scholar Prakriti Budha Magar, an indigenous woman from Nepal, said that the trip “was a profound experience, and sort of a spiritual experience”. She added, “Having learnt a lot of theory about Indigenous knowledge, it was an honour to be a part of the knowledge sharing by the Adnyamathanha guide, John.”

Reflecting on his experience, Maldivian scholar Muawiyath (Muthu) M. Didi said, “Being on this tour, it was very refreshing to experience the change of scenery and the Adnyamathanha people’s deep connection to Country, while disconnecting from technology from our busy daily life. This shared journey fostered a sense of community, inclusivity and mutual respect.”