A deep history of cultural burning, from the beginning to now

For more than 40,000 years, the First Tasmanians have been skilled practitioners of the art of cultural burning. Cultural burning was both a key strategy for managing Country and its resources, and a key activity in the ancestral obligation to Care for Country. 

 Aboriginal groups across Tasmania are currently reviving cultural burning. The revitalisation creates opportunities for First Tasmanians to practice culture on Country. It helps promote community healing from the collective trauma created by two centuries of colonial genocide. And in an era of increasingly extreme weather events, cultural burning holds potential for reframing the way Tasmania prepares for the existential threat posed by bushfire.

 In this talk, Shayne Breen, the author of First Tasmanians: A Deep History (2025), traces the deep history of cultural burning in Tasmania. He will discuss what is known about the historical aims and techniques of burning, its long-term impact on the island’s vegetation communities, and issues related to its present revitalisation. The presentation will include a short film, Returning patrula / fire. 

 Shayne Breen is an historian and former academic. He worked closely with Tasmanian Aboriginal people for 35 years. From 1989–2007 he lectured in Aboriginal Studies at the University of Tasmania, and from 2008–2020 he was a consultant with Aboriginal Education Services in the Tasmanian Education Department where he worked on revising the Aboriginal Studies curriculum.

This event is hosted by the Kingborough Reconciliation Action Group (KRAG) is a local reconciliation action group. As part of Reconciliation Tasmania’s Local Action Network, we bring together people interested in advancing reconciliation by nurturing knowledge, awareness, empathy, and respect for First Nations people.

A small cash donation towards running the event is appreciated. We will have a cash tin and an electronic square reader available on the night.