Writer and fire practitioner Victor Steffensen says he hopes his new book The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu will encourage people to look after the land better.

“The key is adaptation and understanding the land and how we adapt to changing times and how we adapt to changing landscapes the right way, by caring for them the right way,” the Tagalaka Man told Koori Radio’s Lola Forester.

Victor has worked with communities nationally and internationally to rebuild knowledge of the land.

He says that cultures across the world share similarities in traditional knowledges, and that everyone can contribute to the country.

“Tagalaka Knowledge was lost during the 1900s from mining expeditions. I’ve made it my business to pick that knowledge up,” he said.

Victor also said he hopes his work will encourage younger people to get interested in Traditional Culture.

“The trees are the most important thing when it comes to sharing knowledge because they hold the whole language and they are the custodians of the different soil types and ecosystems.”

The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu, published by Hardie Grant Explore, comes out on the 13^th of December. Pre-order today.

Tune into Blackchat on Koori Radio 93.7 FM or on the Koori Radio app every weekday morning from 0900am – 1200pm AEDT.