#WhyIMap: The story behind Andrew Dowding's Mapping Journey
Andrew Dowding is the Managing Director of Winyama and the lead of the Indigenous Mapping Workshop in Australia as part of the global network. Andrew is from the Ngarluma traditional owner group which spans from the West Pilbara region between Karratha and towards Port Hedland.
Ahead of the 2023 National IMW Australia in Narrm (Melbourne), we sat down with Andrew to discuss his mapping journey and vision Indigenous Mapping in Australia.
How did your journey with mapping begin?
My journey in mapping began when I was doing work for my Native Title Organisation, Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation Group, where I collected place names and their locations to create a dictionary of Ngarluma words. This initial project was crucial in preserving cultural heritage and maintaining connections to traditional lands. Through mapping, we not only identify physical locations but also preserve and share cultural knowledge, making it a valuable tool in Indigenous land management and conservation efforts.
Using Google Earth I was able to locate the best fishing spots and hunting areas which proved to be an essential tool for me. It also played a significant role in the Ngarluma language project.
I vividly remember a moment when I showed the elders how to navigate Google Earth to locate the places being added to the Ngarluma dictionary.
Developing that deeper connection with Elders on Country highlights the gift of being able to give back and seek the growth of the past, present and future generations through mapping. It’s exciting to see that our vision and mission of the Indigenous Mapping Workshop is aligned with this year's NAIDOC theme “For Our Elders”. Our Elders are the knowledge holders, trailblazers, advocates, teachers, survivors, and leaders of Country, and being able to witness our Elders skillfully navigating through the software to guide us to different parts of the country was a surreal and memorable experience. It is exciting to see this being a testament to the power of technology and its ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern ways of life.
“Watching our Elders navigate software like Google Earth is what really created the spark to dive deeper into mapping.”
What is it about the Indigenous Mapping Workshop that makes it unique?
The Indigenous Mapping Workshop is a remarkable initiative that addresses a significant gap in the training and support available for those working on Country, in the bush, and in remote regions. The workshop is unique in that it recognises the multitude of people who are doing vital work in these areas, such as ranger and native title groups, who often lack tailored training in the critical area of mapping.
What sets it apart is the combination of factors that make it so effective for Indigenous communities. First and foremost, this workshop offers a crucial service that is not provided by anyone else: training rangers to use mapping software to document and preserve their knowledge of Country.
The Indigenous Mapping Workshop offers a unique instructional style of learning. Rather than simply handing out a book and expecting learners to teach themselves, this workshop takes a direct, hands-on approach to learning. Participants are guided step-by-step through the mapping process, with trainers modelling the process and encouraging learners to follow along. By offering tailored, hands-on training in a vital area of need for Indigenous communities, this workshop is making a real difference in the lives of those who attend. It is a testament to the power of education to promote positive change and empower Indigenous peoples to take charge of their own futures.
This network of participants is particularly unique because it breaks down barriers and brings together groups that may not typically network or collaborate with one another. Native title holders, rangers, learning centres, and cultural centres all come together in this workshop to learn how to map their lands, territories and culture using the latest software and technology.
What are some challenges First Nations people in Australia face? How can maps help?
Access to technology is a major barrier that many people in regional and remote areas face on a daily basis. Without a laptop, internet access, or a phone with GPS, it can be difficult to access basic software and tools. In particular, the lack of internet access can be a massive obstacle for people trying to access information and resources online.
To account for these barriers the Indigenous Mapping Workshop offers a range of learnings such as hands-on training. Our training is delivered at regional and national in-person workshops, generously sponsored and supported by our partners.
With this support, the Indigenous Mapping Workshop teaches Indigenous-led organisations how to use digital and geospatial tools to collect, host, visualise, share and publish maps to support their various community objectives. The use of mapping in Indigenous communities is a testament to the power of technology to promote social and cultural inclusion.
What’s your vision for the Indigenous Mapping Workshop?
My ultimate aspiration for the Indigenous Mapping Workshop is to become a perpetual initiative, with the aim of reaching every capital city across the country to provide opportunities for more individuals to participate and benefit from our learnings.
By having the opportunity to conduct workshops both at a larger and smaller scale in remote areas with internet access, we can continue to deepen our personal connections with the community and rangers. As we expand our reach to places like Broome and Fitzroy Crossing, we can offer our learners a once-in-a-lifetime chance to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the diverse regions of Australia.
To further enhance our online learning presence and provide learners with the flexibility to learn at their own pace, a key aspect of our vision is to strengthen our On-Demand learning platform. We aim to offer refresher courses to attendees after the workshops and potentially have our courses credentialed as part of formal training and certification to fully realise our vision.
What would you say to someone considering attending the Indigenous Mapping Workshop?
If you are someone who loves exploring the world of tech and lives in regional or remote areas with limited access to training, our workshop is the perfect opportunity for you to explore new technologies at a pace that is suited to our style of learning. By attending our workshop, you can connect and network with like-minded individuals who are facing similar challenges, and have the opportunity to ask our experienced staff/trainers questions and receive guidance. Come learn with us!
Are you interested in learning how to utilise maps and mapping tools to support your Indigenous land rights? Apply to attend our four-day face-to-face workshop in Narrm (Melbourne).