About the Project
Nharangga Cultural Burns is a series of short films documenting Narungga-led fire management practices and cultural land care on Guuranda (Yorke Peninsula).
These films capture seasonal knowledge, fire rhythms, and ecological understanding shared by Narungga Elders and Rangers on Country. The series serves as both an educational resource and a living cultural record — showing how traditional burning practices maintain biodiversity, protect habitats, and strengthen community connection to Country.
The project was produced in partnership with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC), Point Pearce Aboriginal Community(PPAC), the Yorke Peninsula Council, and the Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) Sea Ranger Program. Together, these collaborations support community-led documentation of cultural science, land management, and environmental care through First Nations authority and knowledge.
From the Artist — Daen Sansbury-Smith (Adjadura Studio)
Filming the Nharangga Cultural Burns was a privilege and a responsibility. Every moment on Country carried generations of knowledge — why you need to read the weather, what to look for on the ground and how to know when the land is ready to burn.
My role was to help translate that deep connection into moving image — to document not just the practice, but the spirit and knowledge of cultural fire. The process was immersive, involving Elders, Rangers, and community members from Point Pearce who guided every frame and narrative decision.
These films are more than educational resources; they are cultural archives for future generations, a visual record of Narungga ways of caring for Country that continue to sustain balance between people and environment.
Community & Partners
This project was created in close collaboration with:
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Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation
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Point Pearce Aboriginal Community
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Yorke Peninsula Council
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Indigenous Protected Areas Sea Ranger Program
Each partner contributed their time, expertise, and cultural authority to ensure the project was guided by Narungga values and voices from start to finish — from filming and editing to how the knowledge is shared publicly.
The result is a powerful testament to Narungga leadership in cultural land care, and a model for how film and community partnerships can preserve and amplify Indigenous ecological knowledge.
