Connecting Through Cultural Exchange

4 minute read

This content was originally published by Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa.

During a cultural exchange trip to celebrate collaboration and connections between Indigenous women ranger teams, a group of KJ Rangers from Punmu and Kunawarritji communities had an amazing opportunity to visit Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

This trip aimed to provide a unique space for women to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another, enhancing their skills and understanding of bush medicine knowledge, language, cultural healing practices, and caring for Country.

Ltentye Apurte, Apatula, Tjuwanpa and KJ Women Rangers at Tamara Date Farm.

Throughout the week, the rangers engaged in various cultural activities in and around Mparntwe and Ltyentye Apurte. They were warmly welcomed to Mparntwe with a traditional smoking ceremony, explored the beautiful Yeperenye Walking Trail, took a fascinating cultural tour at Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm), participated in a healing ceremony at a local claypan, enjoyed camping at the scenic Tamara Date Farm, visited the breathtaking Salt Springs in Ltyentye Apurte, processed bush medicine into a soothing balm, and had the privilege of visiting the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre.

Traditional Owners of Anthwerrke and Atherrke held a smoking ceremony before walking the Yeperenye Trail to the lookout.

“It feels good when you have someone there, Arrernte woman to talk to their ancestors, spirits. When it was over and I said “Thank you for having us. And welcoming us.” And they felt happy too, to have us here in Country.”

Delisha Attwood, KJ Ranger

Veronica Dobson walking the rangers around Salt Springs.

These activities not only deepened their connection to the land but also provided an incredible platform for discussions around women’s ranger work, including the importance of maintaining women-only sites on-Country.

Beyond the activities and experiences, this exchange trip fostered profound connections between the Martu and Arrente women across the desert. Witnessing how other ranger teams worked with different Country and engaged in additional tourism activities, the KJ Rangers felt renewed pride in their own practices back home.

Martu Elders Deborah Thomas (left) and Gladys Bidu (right), with Arrente Elder Veronica Dobson (middle) at Salt Springs.

The rangers returned home from the cultural exchange trip feeling incredibly inspired and full of ideas. They were particularly excited about the potential for sustainable nature-based infrastructure on Martu Country, drawing inspiration from the Yeperenye Walking Trail. They also felt motivated to explore the creation of more bush medicine products, blending traditional and contemporary practices. This would provide another way to stimulate intergenerational transfer, knowledge preservation, and engagement.

Maria and KJ Rangers at Akeyulerre discussing the history of the organisation and the significant location of the centre.

The exchange highlighted the immense value of sharing practices and knowledge, and the women have been eagerly discussing the cultural activities they would love to share on Martu Country with more ranger teams in the future.

Check out the 6-part series below, created by filmmaker Fiona Walsh, showcasing the incredible events that unfolded during the trip and its profound impact on the rangers.

Big thanks to Central Land Council (CLC), Tjuwanpa Women's Rangers, Ltyentye Apurte Rangers, Aputula Rangers, Tamara Date Farm, Akeyulerre Healing Centre, Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation, Angkerle Atwaye, Standley Chasm and others who took part in this exchange.