Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p41
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 119998–123326

culture and today we have two laws – Bininj and Balanda together. We must continue teaching Bininj way because some things are almost floating away. We're running out of time ...'

Traditional owner

Existing threats to values

  Loss of traditional knowledge (highly significant)
During the recent past, many Bininj/Mungguy who had important knowledge about country and culture have passed away. Bininj/Mungguy have expressed concern that much of this knowledge is being lost, with social changes having impacted on the transfer of knowledge to younger generations. This has been exacerbated by fewer people spending time on country learning about country and culture. In some parts of the park there are also limited opportunities to live on country which also contributes to loss of traditional knowledge.

   '…so many little things are coming in – headphones, movies. Things are coming in and covering our traditional ways .... people know the names of the big fish but not the little fish.'

Jacob Nayinggul, Manilikar clan

  Social issues (highly significant)
There are significant social issues facing Aboriginal people in Kakadu including employment, education and language difficulties. Alcohol and drug problems and health issues are also significant factors affecting the maintenance of cultural knowledge and practices. Parks Australia can support the maintenance of culture through the provision of resources and programmes; however, many factors that influence culture are outside the control of park management, including participation in cultural management programmes, and intergenerational transfer of sensitive cultural knowledge.

  Bininj/Mungguy access to country (low significance)
Bininj/Mungguy access to or use of country is sometimes affected by tourism in visitor areas of the park, and this is managed through temporary closure of areas with timely advice to the tourism industry and the public.

Actions

     5.1.6              Implement, review and update the An-garregen (cultural heritage) Strategy for management of cultural values in the park.

     5.1.7              Support the maintenance of Bininj/Mungguy culture through continued:

        (a)      provision of cultural activities and programmes including on-country camps and bushwalks, a kids' on-country programme, and women's and men's events

        (b)      provision of an oral history programme to collect knowledge and stories from Bininj/Mungguy, with involvement of young Bininj/Mungguy to help facilitate transfer of knowledge

        (c)       support of Bininj/Mungguy involvement in fieldwork related to cultural programmes

        (d)      support of Bininj/Mungguy staff to fulfil cultural responsibilities

        (e)      incorporation of Bininj/Mungguy cultural knowledge and skills in park natural and cultural heritage management programmes, particularly fire management programmes (see also Section 4: Joint management)

        (f)        provision of support and resources to facilitate Bininj/Mungguy involvement and leadership in these management programmes (see also Section 4: Joint management)

        (g)      recognition of Bininj/Mungguy cultural knowledge and skills as important components of park staff development (see also Section 4: Joint management)

        (h)      promote awareness