Junior Ranger Program

The Program combines curriculum and culture to build the skills, confidence, and capacity of Tiwi students. CDU RIEL - Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods recently delivered the first botany module - helping students learn how to recognise features of different plants, how to classify plants, and about common Tiwi plants and their traditional names and uses.

Tiwi elders and senior rangers have waited a long time for a Junior Ranger Program – they worry about loss of language and cultural knowledge and want their kids to be strong, healthy, and happy.

‘Our young ones are our future. Can’t leave it too late, got to open the door for our young ones.’ ‘Our young people need training to become rangers. We need a Junior Ranger Program, so young ones can become rangers when they leave school.’

The program, which is funded by NIAA, is based at Tiwi College but will expand in the future to include Xavier College.