The Dark Science series takes us to the Northern Territory to meet unique custodians who share their stories about how they are carrying on ancient tradition as they care for country, how this scientific knowledge has been passed along and why it is so important.
"This story is very old. This is how our old people lived. This is how we Yolngu live" - Gumitj Elder
Yirritja Rain
Balkurrk rain covers the land in Yirritja country Source: NITV
LP Rangers
The LP Rangers fuse ancient and modern techniques to continue caring for country Source: NITV
We visit the 'LP Rangers' who work in some of the most remote parts of the country with traditional landowners to manage the land and gather data on species and weather patterns. The rangers have been working closely with the CSIRO, fusing modern and ancient practices, and have documented some of the more damaging effects of less rain but stronger storms. The rangers also share their knowledge with the younger generation so that they will be able to detect changes in water quality, weather patterns and bush tucker which may begin to lose it's potency when the land is not cared for properly.
A Life of Learning Two Ways
Senior Arrente knowledge keeper, Veronica Perurrle Dobson AM is working with scientists to preserve the invaluable tools and knowledge she holds. Source: NITV
Veronica Perurrle Dobson AM, Aboriginal scholar, grew up walking Eastern Arrente country with her family who hold Ulampe (rain making), Utnerregatye (sacred caterpillar) and other totemic lines. In 'A life of Learning Two Ways' we see how she is trying to preserve her knowledge and language for generations to come and the struggles that she faces in the era of modernisation. Working with scientists she passes on as much knowledge as she can before it is lost forever.
Widijtih
Clouds coming in over Malyarnyk near Ramingining Source: NITV
"I knew if Bolong had come then Dharrpa would too. Dharrpa lives to the South west of Bolong. He rose like a flaming snake and worked with Bolong." - Gurrduwinga Ranger, Bulmaniya
When Cyclone Lam, the strongest storm since 2006 hit the Northern Territory, a remarkable thing happened once it moved towards Ramingining. In 'Widitjih' we meet Bulmaniya, from the Barlgnurra clan who works as a Gurrduwinga ranger, caring for country. He recalls the unique circumstances that brought Bolong- rainbow serpent - and Dharrpa - king brown snake - together, which usually only happens in ceremony, to dissipate the ferocity of the super storm and deliver an important message.
