Arabic version: معسكر رائدات النساء يمكّن النساء الأبورجينيات في وسط أستراليا

A recent women’s ranger camp in Central Australia has highlighted the vital role of women in environmental and cultural conservation. Held in the picturesque N’Dhala Gorge on Eastern Arrernte country, the camp aimed to encourage more women to engage in protecting sacred sites and traditional practices.

According to ABC News, the event drew dozens of Aboriginal rangers employed by the Central Land Council (CLC), who gathered at Ross River, east of Alice Springs, for the 2026 Women’s Ranger Camp to share knowledge and skills. Workshops included digital storytelling and data collection, empowering women to take active roles in land management, which has historically been male-dominated.

Lille Madden, a Northern Arrernte woman and CLC women’s land management facilitator, emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to caring for culturally significant sites. She stated, “We have to look after and uphold that,” referring to women’s lore and culture.

The camp also focused on the well-being of participants, with various support services available, including yoga and counseling. This aspect was especially important following the search and recovery of Kumanjayi Little Baby’s body, as expressed by Madden, who noted the emotional burden women carry in their communities.

Former ranger Josephine Grant, the first Aboriginal woman to coordinate a ranger group, expressed her desire for more women to join the program. She highlighted the significance of the camp in fostering unity and knowledge-sharing among Aboriginal women rangers, reinforcing their identity and cultural heritage as custodians of the land.