Combining the old with the new: using new technology to document and preserve

indigenous knowledge

Troy Mallie Project Officer

Aboriginal Rainforest Council

Introduction This presentation will outline the use

of contemporary computer technologies, using web-based software design tools to: Record a variety of cultural heritage – using

different media, Map sites, tracks and specific areas Monitor to account for changes in heritage

over time, Manage areas to local custom (lore), and with

respect to law and Preserve heritage for future generations,

Introduction continued…… This technology has been used to manage Indigenous

knowledge in Australia and Vanuatu with respect to traditional and customary protocols of transferring information between generations

Practical Examples of ways that computer technology can be designed according to local protocols will be demonstrated from:

1. Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park – Australia (developed 2001 – 2005)

2. Chief Roi Mata’s domain – Vanuatu (developed 2005-2006)

3. Wet Tropics World Heritage Area – Australia (2007 – under development)

ALL Cultural Heritage Information Management Systems have same underlying

system development premise Design and use driven by local indigenous

community Cultural information database that stores

and provides appropriate access to cultural heritage information

Management tool for maintaining and protecting cultural sites

Utilises digital maps, photos, videos, documents, database and web technology

Empowers local indigenous groups to manage and protect their own knowledge

Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park

Chief Roi Mata’s Domain - Vanuatu

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park

Cultural Site Management System

Development of the Uluru Model

1999 - Traditional Owners requested cultural information to be repatriated and managed by them

Rangers monitoring Rock Art Sites

Decided a computer based system would be needed to store and protect data

Ensure traditional owners were involved in the development of the database

Initial concept drawn in the sand by Elders

Development of the ULURU CSMS

Cultural protocols were developed into system to protect sensitive information (Men’s, Women’s, Public and “Sorry Business” permissions)

User Friendly interface

Spatial representation for cultural sites

Launched 2005

Sensitive information and Security

Map interface to locate cultural sites

Data stored for each site

Ability to add many types of data including:

Images Video Word, PDF documents Sound

Cultural Heritage Management Forms (not only a data archive)

Forms developed as a tool for management of cultural sites

Chief Roi Mata’s Domain - Vanuatu

Chief Roi Mata Domain - Development

Developed as a supporting document for nomination of sites for World Heritage listing for it’s cultural landscape

Sites include – burial places, rock art, old village site

Cultural protocols – sensitive and non-sensitive

On-going management tool Currently being assessed by UNESCO

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area - Cultural Heritage Mapping Project

Peak representative body for Indigenous land and cultural heritage management - WTWHA

New organisation – 3 years old

Represents 18 Rainforest Aboriginal Tribal Groups across the WTWHA in land and cultural heritage management issues

Implementing Regional Agreement

Including scientific and research permit consultation

Implementing the “Bama” Plan with Girringun and Terrain Ltd

Aboriginal Rainforest Council

Brief History in Wet Tropics 1988 – WTWHA listed for Natural and Scenic

values

1988-2005 – discussions and negotiations for cultural recognition in managing WHA landscape – Rainforest Aboriginal Network, Bama Wabu, ARC

2005 – WTWHA Cultural Mapping Project NHT proposal submitted and notified to be successful

2006 – $1M project launched (funding from May 2006 until June 2008). Scoping for 1st 6 months.

2007 – CHIMS development commences

ARC

Objectives:

•Build capacity of local Rainforest Aboriginal groups to document, store and apply their cultural heritage information

Links to Country based planning & other activities supported through Terrain Ltd

•Nominate WT WHA for National Heritage Listing and re-list WT WHA for cultural landscape values

Cultural Heritage Mapping Project

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Project CoordinationARC, Girringun, JCU/ CSIRO

Terrain Ltd, WTMA

Traditional Owner Groups

Traditional Owner Groups

Traditional Owner Groups

Traditional Owner Groups

Traditional Owner Groups

Aboriginal Rainforest CouncilSteering Committee

Cultural Heritage Mapping Project

Technical Advisory Body

(WETMA, EPA, DNRW, DEH, Land CouncilsGBRMPA etc

Project PartnersARC, Girringun, JCU

Terrain Ltd, BDT

Cultural listing the Wet Tropics

Training:GIS, GPS, video, oral history etc.

Storing and managing

information

Mapping, planning &

managementof country

+ Indigenous landscapes Project

ARCARCIP Sub-CommitteeIP Sub-Committee

Current development for the Wet Tropics

900,000 sq hectare WHA (listed for natural values only)

18 Tribal Groups and approx 50 clan groups

“Hybrid” system to implemented (regional and local scales catered for)

Security hierarchy is being developed to allow for cultural protocols over the many tribes and clans

CHIMS development

Regional System covering entire WTWHA and other country that the 18 Tribal groups speak for

4 local pilots selected : Kuku Nyungkul Ngadjon Jii Ma:Mu Jirrbal

Wooroonooran National Park

“Hybrid” System

Security Hierarchy Design

Ngadjon Jii Local system

Ngadjon Jii Local system cont.

Ngadjon Jii Local system cont.

Culture section developed for Non-spatial information

E.g.• Techniques• Dances• Stories

Advantages of these systems

Tailored to specific local indigenous community culture and protocols

User friendly Can choose to connect to internet or

not Licensing – once off, no need for

upgrades Away from complexity of GIS

ISSUES

Training (on-going) – tailored and focussed on local situation

Staff turnover More technical skills need on the ground Trust and relationship building between

system developer and local users On-going sustainability of these

systems

THANK- YOU

Aboriginal Rainforest Council277 Hartley Street Portsmith QLD 4870

AUSTRALIAPh 4035 5913

www.arc-inc.org.au

Troy Mallie – Project Officertroy@arc-inc.org.au