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: Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park – Australia (developed 2001 – 2005) Chief Roi Mata’s domain – Vanuatu (developed 2005-2006) 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

Aboriginal Rainforest Council 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

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

Cultural Heritage Mapping Project ARC Cultural Heritage Mapping Project 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

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Aboriginal Rainforest Council Traditional Owner Groups Traditional Owner Groups Traditional Owner Groups Traditional Owner Groups Traditional Owner Groups Project Coordination ARC, Girringun, JCU/ CSIRO Terrain Ltd, WTMA Aboriginal Rainforest Council Steering Committee Cultural Heritage Mapping Project Technical Advisory Body (WETMA, EPA, DNRW, DEH, Land Councils GBRMPA etc + Indigenous landscapes Project Project Partners ARC, Girringun, JCU Terrain Ltd, BDT ARC IP Sub-Committee Cultural listing the Wet Tropics Mapping, planning & management of country Training: GIS, GPS, video, oral history etc. Storing and managing information

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

Aboriginal Rainforest Council 277 Hartley Street Portsmith QLD 4870 THANK- YOU Aboriginal Rainforest Council 277 Hartley Street Portsmith QLD 4870 AUSTRALIA Ph 4035 5913 www.arc-inc.org.au Troy Mallie – Project Officer troy@arc-inc.org.au