AYFICE

As a proud, young Yidinji man from Far North Queensland, Australia my connection with my Indigenous heritage has profoundly shaped my perspective on environmental sustainability and climate change. The effects of climate change compound historical injustices and disrupt cultural and spiritual connections to Country that are central to the health and wellbeing of our communities, and our lands. This has fuelled my passion for elevated Indigenous knowledge in industry and policy.

For me and the rest of the mob, home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling – a deep sense of connection and belonging. By growing up and experiencing first-hand ways of being, knowing, and doing in community, I have been immersed in the teachings of Traditional Knowledge passed down through millennia.

This knowledge has been instilled in me from a very young age; where teachings have provided me with a deeper understanding and respect for the land, its biodiversity, and the significance of sustainable practices. By ‘growing up on the land’ in Far North Queensland I have enjoyed a great deal of time outdoors, which has granted me exposure to the ever-changing challenges of climate change. For me and my Yidinji mob, the effects of development, habitat destruction, and climate change has disrupted our delicate ecosystem which are vital systems of both fresh and saltwater. The impacts of overfishing, pollution, water shortages, and coral bleaching, is endangering marine life and our community’s livelihoods.

One of the most heart-wrenching consequences of climate change has been the widespread coral bleaching to the Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder that has always been the pride of our community. For time immemorial, my peoples have looked after the reefs, as they form significant cultural sites and hold many stories. Over my lifetime, I have observed the once-abundant reef transform due to shifting ocean conditions and rising temperatures. The colonial impacts of globalisation, mass industry, and extractive activities have propelled the largest increase of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

These activities – often conducted on stolen Aboriginal land – have contributed to the rising sea temperatures that are now stressing our reefs, causing them to expel the symbiotic algae that give them their vibrant colours. As a result, our once vibrant and diverse reef is turning pale and lifeless, impacting not only the marine life but adding sustained pressure on the whole ecosystem. Our once healthy, biotic coral is now bleached, and we are now vulnerable to increasing catastrophic and inclement weather patterns due to these reefs not protecting our coastlines from storms and erosion. Moreover, the bleaching has caused a flow-on effect regarding the ecosystem balancing a healthy predator-prey relationship; where we are seeing unhealthy habitats, commercial overfishing, and a smaller abundance of species. Such impacts endanger our traditional knowledge systems, our ability to experience a healthy Country, and the longevity of our traditional ways of life. This highlights the urgent need to protect our waterways and oceans, as vital cultural reservoirs, and sources of nutrition.

Furthermore, being Indigenous is not just a part of my identity; it is a source of strength and inspiration that drives me to contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change. Moreover, my peoples’ Knowledge is the single most informed source of environmental and climate knowledge bases on the planet, as we bring a unique perspective that stems from our connection to Country stemming over 65, 000 years. These knowledges and perspectives, while overlooked for centuries, must be prefaced in national and international climate adaptation and mitigation solutions.

‘Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a health issue, it’s a human rights issue, and in encompassing all of this, it’s an Indigenous rights issue. The land serves as our law, emphasising the interconnectedness of our culture with the environment.’

Nothing about our lands must happen without our input, our consent, and our leadership. Unfortunately, our Elders and First Nations leaders still lack adequate power and autonomy. Only through shifting stubborn colonial power structures, can we address disparities that continue to disproportionately afflict First Nations people.

As an Indigenous young person, I am deeply committed to preserving our cultural practices, protecting our lands, and enjoying our waterways for generations to come. Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a health issue, it’s a human rights issue, and in encompassing all of this, it’s an Indigenous rights issue. The land serves as our law, emphasising the interconnectedness of our culture with the environment. Through shifting power structures, listening to Indigenous peoples, education, collaboration, and a deep respect for the land, we can work towards a sustainable future for all.