Yuwi People Revive Ancient Healing Burns

0:00This is Adelaide News Today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. The UE people in North Queensland have brought back their traditional cultural healing burn for the first time since before colonization. This ancient practice, used for over 60,000 years to care for the land, happened at Cape Hillsboro National Park near Mackay. They were officially recognized as traditional owners six years ago, paving the way for this event on about two hectares of land. The burn uses low-intensity fires to clear scrub and invasive plants, promoting healthy growth and reducing wildfire risks. It creates open spaces for animals and plants in the park's diverse ecosystems, from beaches and mangroves to rainforests and eucalyptus forests. You wee elders read signs from the land, like soil moisture and blooming flowers, to time it just right. For the UE community, the burn was deeply emotional, helping heal both the land and the people. Younger rangers to the taller, gaining pride and caring for this knowledge.

1:02It felt like the country could breathe again after years of disruption, from past removals and lost practices. This comes after a long fight for native title in 2020, which let them co-design these burns on their own country. They gather sleeping knowledge from stories, history, and groups like fire stick alliance, especially near sites of past massacres. Now Queensland parks and wildlife rangers are teaming up with UE elders to apply these techniques across more areas. Both sides are sharing ways, cultural and western to keep the land healthy. Officials call it just the beginning for better outcomes and stronger connections. This DNN story comes to you thanks to our sponsor. Press play. Put your head down. The sound is already there. It's O-L-I, solelypillow.com.