Birrarung is alive and she is breathing. She is strong. We are connected to her as much as she is connected to us – Jordan Smith, Wurundjeri
Reading Baanj (Water) Biik (Country) in a drastically changed and altered landscape calls for a creative and well-rounded assessment methodology that enables assessors to connect with ‘what was’, read ‘what is’, and make informed recommendations about ‘what we can give back’. A project team led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders and made up of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, First Nations and non-indigenous representatives have developed a methodology for reading Baanj across Wurundjeri Biik. All our senses are called to action when trying to understand how Bannj is feeling and what might be needed to make her healthier. With critical cultural science, knowledge and understanding guiding this process, we use western scientific methods to supplement findings ensuring key learnings can fit into colonial policy and planning structures. Our rigorous methodology enables a trained team to conduct a survey at a specific site on Wurundjeri Baanj Biik. We listen to Elder knowledge, gather documented cultural, water and land information and undertake native plant and animal surveys. By connecting the past, present and future through a Wurundjeri lens we can critically analyse waterways, billabongs or floodplains. We collect information that the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Community needs around, waterway health, cultural practice and connection to culture. This reading of Country can be used to inform future management, positioning Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Peoples to lead decisions, contribute to management and uphold their role in managing and caring for Country.