Cultural heritage and First Nations involvement

Cultural heritage

The Traditional Owners of the Flinders Ranges, the Adnyamathanha people, have a deep understanding of the land and the cultural significance of sites across this remarkable landscape. Adnyamathanha people hold stories of how the Flinders Ranges’ ancient landscape was created through their strong ties to the land. The involvement of Adnyamathanha people in caring for their Country, and sharing their culture with visitors, is an integral part of managing a World Heritage site.

Aboriginal sites and the stories associated with them often originate from the very distant past and, importantly, contribute to the living belief systems and customs of many contemporary Aboriginal people. There are also many significant areas of traditional Aboriginal land use and occupation in South Australia that have never been archaeologically or anthropologically surveyed and may reveal a rich tapestry of life prior to colonisation.

The government is committed to working together in the nomination process to shape how we can best position the Flinders Ranges to maximise opportunities for all from a World Heritage Listing. If successful, the listing would not only protect the geological values of the Flinders Ranges, but also enhance the protection of the rich cultural landscape.

First Nations involvement

Discussions about World Heritage have been progressing with the Co-management Boards of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park. There is support by the boards for World Heritage recognition and work is underway with the boards to define the sites and associated cultural heritage values and management issues.

Further discussions towards forming a formal partnership with the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association have begun, which will provide a framework for collaboration with the Adnyamathanha people in the World Heritage nomination process.