Caring for Country

”We are not doing this for ourselves. We are doing this for our country and for our people…keeping our culture alive and strong.”

Cherry Daniels, Founder Yugul Mangi Women Rangers

Caring for Country, Trailer ( 44 seconds )

Caring for Country, Full Film ( 8 minutes )

For 50,000 years Aboriginal people have developed practices manage and care for the Australian landscape. Today, the Yugul Mangi Women Rangers from Ngukurr in the Northern Territory are using traditional and western methods to conserve ecosystems and restore near extinct animal populations. Caring for Country introduces you to three remarkable women who have dedicated their lives to the environment.

Caring for Country is a collaboration between myself, The Yugul Mangi women rangers and Dr. Emilie Ens of Macquarie University.  In 2012, I approached the Rangers with the idea of the film after researching enviromental programs, in Australia, where scientist were utilizing indigenous practices and people to solve issues like seasonal wildfires.  This partnership creates jobs, assists in conservation and the spiritual needs of Aboriginal people by maintaining a connection to the land.

Julie with Lotus pods

Maritza Roberts, Pollyann Ponto, Shirley Wilfred

Misson Gorge

Julie and Emilie discussing a project.

Edna Nelson, Cherry Daniels, Julie Roy