Drew Roberts, Arakwal/Bundjalung, is the founder of Shared Knowledge, an organization delivering Aboriginal cultural experiences in Sydney, Australia. Here, he shares what it means to connect to Country and how we can all do it respectfully and responsibly.
First, some introductions…
– Jinggiwala (How you doing?)
– Ngali na jugun (We belong to this Country)
– Ngali garima mala jugun (We look after this Country)
I’m Drew Roberts, founder of Shared Knowledge. I’m an Arakwal, Bundjalung man from the Northern Rivers, thereby making me a black sand, saltwater person.
Shared Knowledge delivers Aboriginal cultural experiences to visitors, tourists and corporate organizations. We have been in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens and Greater Sydney Parklands for the last five years, teaching locals and tourists alike how to walk through Country in a respectful and mindful way. We offer a variety of experiences covering topics such as bush food, medicine and semiotics of traditional art, as well as education and consulting services to groups who need support in building relationships and knowledge of First Nations communities.
For Australia’s First Nations people, Country encompasses a harmonious relationship between me as an individual and my ancestral lands and water. Within our culture, the three core fundamentals are respect, responsibility and reciprocity. These fundamentals are linked to the land and water that the people use to channel the environment and cultural knowledge. As my Country is different to the other 249+ First Nations of Australia, every part of my identity is therefore different.
Palyku novelist and illustrator Ambelin Kwaymullina has this to say about the definition of Country to First Nations peoples:
“For Aboriginal peoples, Country is much more than a place. Rock, tree, river, hill, animal, human—all were formed of the same substance by the Ancestors who continue to live in land, water, sky. Country is filled with relations speaking language and following Law, no matter whether the shape of that relation is human, rock, crow, wattle. Country is loved, needed, and cared for, and Country loves, needs, and cares for her peoples in turn. Country is family, culture, identity. Country is self.”
First Nations cultures and communities are diverse, and there are many different nations and language groups throughout Australia that are important parts of this country’s history—and future identity—that should be honoured. Many First Nation tourism operators value, celebrate and promote First Nations peoples’ culture, languages, relationships to Country, knowledge and heritage.
Some of the great things about traveling and having the opportunity to walk on Country are experiencing the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of an ancient people—the oldest living culture on earth. Through my work with Shared Knowledge, I have found many travelers are seeking out greater authenticity and cultural engagement, and interest in First Nations tourism continues to grow.
To connect to Country in a meaningful way, it’s important to remember a few key things: Leave your everyday worries and duties behind. Return to the fundamentals of culture and recenter yourself. Change your perspectives in order to travel lightly through this continent’s diverse landscapes and Countries. And always remember the core fundamentals when you’re exploring: Respect. Responsibility. Reciprocity.
Keep the following points in mind when planning your travels to Country:
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Explore First Nations experiences with Welcome to Country or check out Intrepid’s range of cultural experiences here.
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