The Traditional Owners of the Great Western Woodlands retain their unique knowledge of and connection to Country. There are many cultural heritage sites throughout the region and many areas which are particularly important to the Traditional Owners.
Traditional Aboriginal land use relies on intricate ecological and geographic knowledge including the care and maintenance of rock holes and other water sources, food sources and fire management.
Exercising and adapting these traditional practices to contemporary conservation and land management requires a direct management role for Traditional Owners.
From the perspective of conservation science, traditional Indigenous management can be a vital part of responding to environmental challenges.
In this picture - Gnamma
Gnamma (meaning rockhole) occur on the many granite outcrops in the region. Water can collect in these holes through rain and run off. Gnamma were often deepened, widened and maintained by the Traditional Owners who relied on them for water. These sources of water were vital in this dry landscape and helped the Traditional Owners to inhabit otherwise in-hospitable areas. The first Europeans to visit the region soon realised the importance of Gnamma as they traversed the area. These water sources they are also important for animals such as wallaby and birds which will frequent them.
