Warlu: bringing Indigenous fire knowledge to the Tanami Desert

In late October 2023, Lajamanu hosted dozens of Traditional Owners who make up the Central Land Council's Warlu Committee. They have been meeting annually since 2010 to do fire planning for the area managed by Warlpiri, North Tanami, Dagaragu/Gurindji and Muru-warinyi Ankkul Rangers. The meeting is led by the TOs and provides a well-established forum for knowledge sharing and collaborative fire management.

When speaking about why she appreciated the annual meeting, Enid Gallagher from Yuendumu explained that it's a good opportunity to report back to one another to improve how country is being managed.

Kade Green from Tennant Creek likes returning to the Warlu meeting because of the opportunity it provides "...to meet people and other rangers, share ideas on how we should work on Country, caring for Country, animals and plants." To better manage fire, Kade thinks there is need for more trips out on country with the rangers and TOs.

Helma Bernard, a ranger from Dagaragu Community thinks that one of the reasons for wildfires is that many young people haven't been taught about Right Way Fire.

Members of the Warlu Committee are continuing a strong culture of working together with their neighbours and looking at the big picture when it comes to fire management. Empowering traditional fire regimes across the desert is a priority for IDA's Right Way Desert Fire Program. Warlu Committee provides strong Traditional Owner leadership on decisions around fire management in a significant portion of the desert, and therefore is an important precursor to IDA's ongoing support of ranger activities in the region.