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SUBJECTS: Geography
YEARS: 9–10
Warrgamay elder Bill Morganson visits a sacred meeting place for his people — the last giant fig tree in the Herbert River Valley, north Queensland.
He explains how trees like this were used by Warrgamay people and why this surviving fig has such value.
Things to think about
- 1.How would you describe the environment where you live? How have different groups of people altered this environment over time? Ask an older person what sorts of changes have taken place in your area. How do they feel about these changes?
- 2.How does Bill feel when he comes to this place? Why is it special to him? How did Warrgamay people use fig trees like this? Listen carefully when Bill mentions why most of the large trees in this place were cleared (cut down).
- 3.Why does this last huge fig tree have great value? List reasons and group them under these three headings: Environmental, Cultural, Spiritual. Locate the Herbert River area on a satellite map. What do you notice about the area? Can you see evidence of clearing in this area due to farming practices?
- 4.Think about a place in your area that is special to you. What do you like to do here? Why is this place significant for you? Find out how this place is used by other people. Create an artwork or digital presentation about this place, showing how and why it is significant in different ways for different people.
Date of broadcast: 30 Sep 2013
Copyright
Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2020 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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