Learning from the Aborigines

[Manse]

Folks, I'm hoping that you can help me fulfil a longstanding dream.

I have since a young kid getting into Wilderness skills, wanted to spend time with the aborigines learning their skills, knowledge and way of living. Spending upto 6 months with them

Are you guys aware of any individual/group that I can get in touch with to fulfill my dream. I currently have three months that I can use for this.
I'm aware that this is nowhere near efnough time, but hey, you've got to start somewhere.

Thanks for your hrlp and any advice given in advance.

Manse

 

[Randall]

It seems a strange request to make here. I know you mean well, but who can speak for another group or individual? Perhaps you could approach some communities yourself? There is another issue, or problem - like society in general, not all aboriginal folk have, or are interested in, wilderness skills. You might have more luck finding someone with such skills in the more remote communities - and then they would have to want to show you. People like Les Hiddens and Malcolm Douglas have recorded some of their skills / knowledge. Awesome, another great find! The commentary is patronising; Malcolm himself wasn't like that.

 

[Redtail]

I would start with you local community, or at least one close by.

There's few opportunities here in WA (where are you?), but I'm sure with persistence, they could be found.

 

[Manse]

It seems a strange request to make here. I know you mean well, but who can speak for another group or individual? Perhaps you could approach some communities yourself? There is another issue, or problem - like society in general, not all aboriginal folk have, or are interested in, wilderness skills. You might have more luck finding someone with such skills in the more remote communities - and then they would have to want to show you. People like Les Hiddens and Malcolm Douglas have recorded some of their skills / knowledge. Awesome, another great find! The commentary is patronising; Malcolm himself wasn't like that.

Hi Randall, thanks for your reply, really appreciate it.
I am more than happy approaching the various communities, unfortunately I have no idea who to approach, you see, I am based in the UK! Hence why I decided to approach the Australian Bushcraft community, because like the UK community, it is made up of very knowledgeable individuals.
So, if you are able to point me in a direction, it would be appreciated.

Manse

 

[Manse]

I would start with you local community, or at least one close by.

There's few opportunities here in WA (where are you?), but I'm sure with persistence, they could be found.

Cheers Redtail, there lies the problem, I am UK based!!!!

 

[Randall]

Try this; it's a list of communities. If you can go anywhere, Kalumburu in the Kimberly is awesome. Now would be a good time to go there. It starts getting hot and wet from November. Although if you can handle the heat, the area really comes to life in the wet season. From a "living off the land" perspective this would be a great time; assuming you get permission. The Gibb river road, and the road to Kalumburu can get cut off fairly regularly (during the wet). Flying in and out by cessna from Kununurra may be an only option at times.

 

[Manse]

Try this; it's a list of communities. If you can go anywhere, Kalumburu in the Kimberly is awesome. Now would be a good time to go there. It starts getting hot and wet from November.

Randall, you sir are a star.
Much appreciated and will start trying to make contacts.
What's Kimberly like in February?

If there are any other useful bits of info you can offer, they would be hugely appreciated.
Manse

 

[Randall]

Randall, you sir are a star.
Much appreciated and will start trying to make contacts.
What's Kimberly like in February?

If there are any other useful bits of info you can offer, they would be hugely appreciated.
Manse

Hot and wet I found this. Most communities tend to be in hot places. Hot and dry might be easier to handle than hot and wet - humidity is harder to handle. Somewhere with lots of water in hot areas teams with life; crocs, fish, frogs, birds, lotus plants, snakes, lizards etc. I'm not familiar enough with the dry areas, except to say that tracking is generally easy, as is navigation. Good luck

 

[Hairyman]

Do you have any trade or skill that you could offer to gain employment in a remote community?
I spent 16 years employed/living on Palm Island Aboriginal community off the coast of Townsville
in North Queensland. My skill set is in environmental health.
Communities vary in their relative remoteness and cultures.
Individuals vary too.
Keep an open mind and be prepared to be both impressed and shocked.

 

[Manse]

Do you have any trade or skill that you could offer to gain employment in a remote community?
I spent 16 years employed/living on Palm Island Aboriginal community off the coast of Townsville
in North Queensland. My skill set is in environmental health.
Communities vary in their relative remoteness and cultures.
Individuals vary too.
Keep an open mind and be prepared to be both impressed and shocked.

I'm a qualified secondary school teacher, although I gave up teaching about 7 years ago. Although I'm not looking at employment, and would probably have a major issue with Aussy immigration.
I have seen and been involved with many different cultures, and am pretty open minded.
Ideally, I'd like to find a community that still holds on to its culture and skills and are willing to share and educate others.