Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge in South - eastern Australia. Perspectives of Early Colonists. 2018. illus. 334 p. gr8vo. Paper bd.

Indigenous Australians have long understood sustainable hunting and harvesting, seasonal changes in flora and fauna, predator–prey relationships and imbalances, and seasonal fire management. Yet the extent of their knowledge and expertise has been largely unknown and underappreciated by non-Aboriginal colonists, especially in the south-east of Australia where Aboriginal culture was severely fractured.

Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge in South-eastern Australia is the first book to examine historical records from early colonists who interacted with south-eastern Australian Aboriginal communities and documented their understanding of the environment, natural resources such as water and plant and animal foods, medicine and other aspects of their material world. This book provides a compelling case for the importance of understanding Indigenous knowledge, to inform discussions around climate change, biodiversity, resource management, health and education. It will be a valuable reference for natural resource management agencies, academics in Indigenous studies and anyone interested in Aboriginal culture and knowledge.

CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Totemic life
2. Terrestrial spirit beings
3. Water spirit beings
4. Plant food
5. Animal food
6. Water
7. Fire in Aboriginal south-eastern Australia
8. Watercraft
9. Shelter: housing
10. Clothing
11. Wellbeing
12. Healing
13. Trade
14. Space
15. Time
Conclusion
References
Index