NRM Board visits Hookina Spring
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board, together with the Aboriginal Engagement Committee and Northern and Yorke and SA Arid Lands Natural Resources staff, were recently hosted by senior Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners at Hookina Spring (Punkga Pudanha) following a Board meeting held in Orroroo.
The group met with senior Adnyamathanha Traditional Owner Regina McKenzie at the waterhole known as Hookina Spring to learn more about the site’s significance and its associated management issues.
Northern and Yorke NRM Board Presiding Member Eric Sommerville said that it was useful to visit Hookina Spring to gain a better understanding of the values of the site.
“The exercise was extremely worthwhile, the Board now have a greater understanding of the unique cultural, archaeological, biological and hydrogeological significance of Hookina Spring to the Traditional Owners,” Mr Sommerville said.
“We have also learnt about the management issues associated with the site, such as erosion, grazing, weeds and feral animals.
There are many cultural sites, objects, stories and songlines throughout the region. Aboriginal people remain connected and are obliged to speak for and care for Country.
Hookina Spring is 25 kilometres north-west of Hawker, immediately adjacent to Yappala Station, an Indigenous Protected Area that sits within the Northern and Yorke NRM region and is managed by the Aboriginal Lands Trust.
The Hookina Spring site has been used by Adnyamathanha for many thousands of years as a meeting place and the setting of two important corroboree areas.
Ms McKenzie said Adnyamathanha had a responsibility to look after Country.
“Now that there are many stakeholders involved, we all need to be part of the management of the conservation and heritage values and to care for country,” Ms McKenzie said.
“It’s great that the Northern and Yorke NRM Board recognises this and is working collaboratively with all of the partners for a long-term solution to complicated management issues.”
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Regional Director Trevor Naismith thanked the Adnyamathanha people for joining the group at Hookina Spring.
“We’d like to thank the Adnyamathanha people for their generosity of time and experience,” Mr Naismith said.
Funding and support for the Northern and Yorke Aboriginal Engagement Project is provided by the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board through funding from the National Landcare Programme.
For more information about the project contact the Natural Resources Centre in Clare on (08) 8841 3444 or email DEWNR.NRNY@sa.gov.au.
