What is ‘Deep Time’ history of the First Nations People of Australia?

But Deep Time is not only a scientific idea. It is also a cultural and spiritual one. For Australia's First Nations peoples, Deep Time is part of their identity and worldview.

They have lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years, making them one of the world's oldest continuous cultures.

During this time, they have witnessed and adapted to many environmental and climatic changes.

As a result, they have developed belief systems that reflect their deep connection to the land, the sea and the sky. 

In addition, their stories, traditions, and knowledge systems have been passed down through countless generations.

It has produced a unique understanding of the Australian landscape and its evolution. 

It is important to note that the history of Australia's First Nations peoples is not written in books or documents.

Instead, it is said to be written in the landscape, in the stories, in the objects, in the ceremonies and in the memories.

In this way, it is a living history that is passed down from generation to generation.

Here are some specific ways that First Nations People remember Deep Time:

Central to Indigenous Australian cosmology are the Dreamtime stories. These narratives explain the origins of the land, its features, and the creatures that inhabit it.

They are also deeply rooted in the present. When the stories are shared, they help teach the social norms, laws, and spiritual beliefs to new generations.

The deep connection to the land is evident in the sophisticated land management practices of Indigenous Australians.

Through controlled burns, water resource management, and sustainable hunting and gathering, they shaped the Australian landscape in harmony with its natural rhythms.

While often forgotten, ancient rock art found across Australia also serves as a testament to the deep history of First Nations peoples.

These artworks, some dating back over 17,000 years, capture the evolving relationship between humans and their environment.

For many non-Indigenous Australians, understanding the depth and complexity of First Nations history can be challenging.

As a result, the concept of Deep Time can serve as a bridge: by grasping the vastness of time, one can begin to appreciate the depth of Indigenous connection to the land. 

It's not just about recognizing that Indigenous Australians have been on the continent for a very long time; it's about understanding that their culture, knowledge, and traditions have evolved and been refined over these immense time scales.

This perspective can foster a deeper respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and their contributions to modern Australia.