“Fire is the same language around the world. So making connections and building collaboration is really important.” Take a trip down under with Joe Gilchrist, Salish firekeeper, where he spent 16 days in Australia sharing with and learning from other Indigenous knowledge holders on how fire is a force for renewal, not destruction. 

Cultural burning, practiced for generations by Indigenous peoples, is as vital in Australia as it is in Canada. These traditional practices are rooted in respect and a deep connection to the land. And as collaboration and knowledge sharing grow, they can also be a part of a path forward for wildfire prevention, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience.

Watch the video to see Joe Gilchrist’s journey, showcasing how cultural burning connects and empowers communities across continents.