Australian Aboriginal Ethnometeorology and Seasonal Calendars

This paper uses a cultural anthropological approach to investigate an indigenous Australian perspective on atmospheric phenomena and seasons, using data gained from historical records and ethnographic fieldwork. Aboriginal people believe that the forces driving the weather are derived from Creation Ancestors and spirits, asserting that short term changes are produced through ritual. By recognizing signals such as wind direction, rainfall, temperature change, celestial movements, animal behaviour and the flowering of plants, Aboriginal people are able to divide the year into seasons. Indigenous calendars vary widely across Australia and reflect annual changes within Aboriginal lifestyles

Enough Is Enough:Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Living Heritage and the (Re)Shaping of Built Environment Design Education in Australia

This chapter explores the critical importance of ethical Indigenous knowledge engagement in the knowing of living heritage landscapes and their associated built environment education, and professional practices across Australia. <<The taproot is the root of the tree that goes the deepest. In my family taproots are really important because, as my mother always says, ‘We didn’t get here by ourselves. We have others to thank for that and we should acknowledge it’. Those family members that make up the taproots are still very much alive and living with us today, and this reinforces a sense of self, belonging, and place. Never forget your taproots because they’ll never forget you (Tjalaminu Mia 2007: 208).>>No Full Tex