Seasonal calendar
What is the seasonal calendar strategy and what is the location associated with this strategy?
The seasonal calendar strategy is when the indigenous Australians have different ways of interpreting seasons, it can help them segregate between what they should and shouldn't cultivate during different periods of the year. They are indicated by the flora and fauna or the behaviour of the weather around them. Seasons in Indigenous calendars are often closely tied to changes in weather. Many of the indigenous seasons represent a period when certain weather conditions are prevalent, such as hot and dry weather, wetter seasons, or cooler temperatures. The indigenous Australians also have a high understanding of resource management, they have knowledge of the animals that they hunt and know when they're ready to be hunted without mass hunting.
How can seasonal calendars be applied?
The Indigenous Australians prepare for the seasonal calendar in numerous different ways. Not only do they interpret the change of the flora and fauna around them but also the position of the stars in the sky and the flow of the water. They would pay attention to all the stars, whether they were the brightest in the sky or barely visible, despite that each community had their own view of the stars and the seasonal change. For example, the Kaurna people of Adelaide, used the star Parna (Fomalhaut) as an appearance of the season autumn (Parnatti). The indigenous Australians believe that the earth, animals and plants have a connection to one another. For example, the people of D'harawal Country would closely observe the cries of the tiger quolls who are in search of mates, this indicates the lilly pilly fruits have ripped and are ready to eat. The D'harawal Country to begin their annual journey to the coast in search of other seasonal resources.
Could it be developed in other parts of Australia (seasonal rainfall strategy)?
The seasonal strategy is well practised by the most of the indigenous Australians, it all depends on the resources they had in their area, this includes rain water. Rainwater is a fundamental factor that helps keep the country alive, since all animals and plants need it in order for survival. From the graph above it can be determined that the coastal regions of Australia have rainfall leading up to 3000mm, this is more than plenty for agriculture and animals to thrive. On the other hand, in central Australia, near the Oodnadatta region, the recorded rainfall is estimated to be 50mm. Although 50mm of rain is sustainable to replenish livestock and agriculture. The seasons will influence when the rain falls, causing droughts. This can cause the clans to migrate to different areas.
What resources are needed (seasonal hunting animals strategy) ?
Another seasonal strategy that the Indigenous Australians use is the "harvesting livestock" strategy. This is when the Indigenous Australians used equipment such as spears to kill most animals such as the fish and the land animals but relied on boomerangs to kill birds. Some of the common animals to be hunted were the Kangaroos, Wild Turkeys, Possums, Emus, Anteaters, Lizards and Snakes. When fishing, the men were expected to work and when collecting the selfish and agriculture the women were expected to take part. The Indigenous hunters would smear their bodies with soil to disguise their smell and sneak up to them while camouflaged. When they had reached a suitable distance, they launched the spears at the animals without hesitation, since most scurry away when facing a threat.
What would the possible costs be? Financial and/or environmental?
Although the Indigenous seasonal calendar is deeply rooted in tradition and in its connection to nature, it is not without environmental costs. It is important to recognize that impacts can vary widely depending on specific practices and local contexts. A potential environmental concern is the practice of prescribed burns, common in some Indigenous communities to regenerate landscapes. While these burns can have ecological benefits, such as promoting biodiversity, if not managed carefully, they can also pose risks and lead to forest fires that damage ecosystems.
graph 1.1; a depection of the fuel burned after burning lands for fire-stick farming.
How is fire-stick farming sustainable?
The Indigenous seasonal calendar is a sustainable and time-tested system deeply rooted in the conditions in Australia. Indigenous calendars are connected to the rhythms of nature, unlike the western calendars using fixed dates for seasons. The seasonal calendar is observed by the natural phenomena surrounding the Indigenous Australian, this is sustainable due to the fact that the individuals aren't relying on fixed dates to harvest and cultivate foods, giving time for livestock and agriculture to balance. The Indigenous resource management is essential for sustainability, so that the future generations can also ensure that there are resources available, they promote practices such as crop rotation, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable hunting and fishing. This shows that the seasonal calendar is sustainable for any conditions.