First Nations women, cultural fire knowledge, wellbeing and memory

This report reveals that supporting First Nations women in fire and land management is a critical, yet untapped, strategy for protecting Australian communities from escalating climate disasters. It draws attention to Australia’s workforce of First Nations women in fire and land management, and highlights the profound positive impacts that culturally responsive professional development programs can have on this cohort.

This report begins by providing contextual information about the Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX) and AUS WTREX, and by defining some key concepts at the centre of this project. The methodologies used for the applied research are then discussed, including oral interviews, personal reflective journals and participant observation and outline the strengths and limitations of each approach. Following this, the findings are detailed, which have been organised into six distinct, yet interconnected themes:

• Safety and support
• Confidence and empowerment
• Reciprocal exchange
• Connection and healing
• Cultural, personal and professional growth
• Reincorporation