In Australia today droughts almost seem like the normal state of affairs, and I was wondering how Aboriginal people dealt with them. But that got me thinking, if droughts are normal in Australia, then would they have even been recognised before colonialism and comparisons with European climates?
So, I guess this is a three part question:
Did Aboriginal people consider droughts to be different from 'normal' weather?
Were droughts as common in pre-colonial Australia as they are today?
If so, how did Aboriginal people deal with droughts?
I’m a Gamiliraay/Wiradjuri girl, my elders have told me that there was less drought and water was more readily available in my area. I think this was partly due to the fact that there was no man made constructions that tampered with the rivers, like lakes etc. most of my country was wetland also.
We also moved with the weather throughout our country boundaries, and if it was beginning to look dry throughout our area we would pass on with permission to other tribal countries.
The old people had a way of predicting when harsh weather was coming so there was enough time to figure out a plan of action.
We also were able to restore old wetlands and create bigger water masses. I highly suggest looking at Pintuparri and the Rainmakers I think on Iview or SBS on demand.