Where Cultural Knowledge Meets Western Science Methodology
Channel: Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
Date: 2023-05-19

Wellesley Islands Ranger Coordinator, Tommy Wilson, delivered this virtual presentation Australasian Shorebird Conference presentation 2022.  

Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) has long regarded migratory shorebird conservation as a priority and has spearheaded the formal, international recognition of three flyway sites in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria as part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway network.  
  
Management plans incorporating Traditional Knowledge, Western Science research and scientific expert advice are being developed collaboratively to improve monitoring and outcomes for migratory shorebirds.

Based on Mornington Island, Tommy Wilson is the Ranger coordinator leading the Wellesley Island Rangers- a dedicated team of Indigenous Rangers who are striving to also achieve formal flyway designation in their region. 

A passionate conservationist, Tommy explains how these migratory shorebirds are, and have always been, vitally important to the local land and sea custodians of the Wellesley Islands in the Lower Gulf.

Learning through Western Science methodologies has broadened traditional Indigenous understanding and appreciation - especially of the Kuwaaku (the Far Eastern Curlew). 

Tommy shares both his cultural stories and the Lardil language names; and his admiration for these migratory birds– marveling at the distances they travel across the globe.

Tommy firmly believes that bringing Western Science and Traditional Indigenous Knowledge together lends the best chance of conserving these incredible animals.