Every time we engage in an outdoor activity, we consciously or subconsciously consider a range of factors, which include physical, mental and social health benefits to us, possible safety issues, and potential environmental risks. It is clear that we need to make more efforts to consider cultural heritage risks associated with outdoor places.
Traditional Owners and Custodians are generously making efforts to educate us about the deep cultural significance of some sites that may have been used for ceremonies since time immemorial. In recent times, some places have also been accessed for outdoor activities, and we need to ensure we aren’t causing harm through our actions.
We visit many outdoor places because we sense that these areas are special. The benefits of outdoor activities are amazing when carried out in an appropriate and respectful manner (culturally, environmentally and safely).
Dom Courtney, Outdoors Queensland
Pressure is building for authorities to close a hiking trail up a culturally significant peak in the Glasshouse Mountains on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
He said Mount Beerwah should be treated with the same respect as Uluru and Mount Warning in New South Wales where hiking is not permitted.
“She [Mount Beerwah] is seen as a grandmother and ancestral spirit for us,” Mr Murphy said.
“We sit on our grandmother’s shoulder; we don’t stand on her head.”
He said the site was used for sacred ceremonies and Indigenous women gave birth alongside the mountain.
“I wanted to make a peaceful statement and share culture and our story with the hikers and why we’d rather them choose to hike a beautiful trail rather than climb one of our ancestral mountains,” he said.
Other options available
Mr Murphy said 10 hikers had chosen to go elsewhere after their conversations at the base of the mountain, which turned into “therapy sessions”.
“I’ve been asking people why they’re choosing to climb and where they’re from, and for a lot of people it seems to be for mental health,” Mr Murphy said.
He said the conversations have focused on what hikers are hoping to conquer within themselves when they plan to walk to the summit.
“There are other places that you can go that aren’t a sacred mountain to climb,” he said.
Key points:
- Traditional custodians want Mount Beerwah closed to hikers
- They say climbing the mountain is disrespectful to Indigenous culture because it is considered a grandmother
- According to Aboriginal culture, those who visit the site are putting their safety at risk
Source
ABC News
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