The Importance of Fire in Aboriginal Culture and How to Explore This in the Classroom
Making fire through friction is one of humanity’s oldest skills — and within Aboriginal culture, it has been used in many purposeful and sophisticated ways for thousands of years.
Fire played a vital role in daily life and cultural practice, including:
Providing warmth
Cooking food
Driving animals toward hunters
Ceremonial purposes, such as during burials
Crafting and manufacturing artefacts
Fire-stick farming to promote specific vegetation growth
Repelling insects
Heating and softening resins for toolmaking
The significance of fire in Aboriginal life is deeply embedded in Dreaming stories and can be seen in countless Aboriginal rock art and cultural sites across the country. Fire is not just a tool — it’s a part of a knowledge system that connects people, land, and spirit.
These traditional uses of fire also offer rich opportunities for STEM learning in the classroom, especially for older students. Topics like sustainable land management, thermodynamics, chemistry, and ecology can all be explored through the lens of Indigenous fire practices.
For younger learners, Looking After Country with Fire is a beautifully illustrated picture book designed for children aged 5 to 10. It introduces the concept of cultural burning and the deep respect First Nations people have for the land.
“Mother Nature has a language. If we listen, and read the signs in the land, we can understand it.”
In this story, Uncle Kuu takes readers out on Country to explain the practice of cultural burning — how it supports healthy ecosystems, encourages native plants to thrive, and creates safe habitats for people and animals alike. The book, with artwork by Sandra Steffensen, offers a powerful and timely message about Indigenous knowledge as a path forward in caring for Australia's landscapes.
The book also includes the lyrics to a song written by Victor Steffensen, based on his bestselling adult title, Fire Country. It’s a gentle yet important introduction to understanding and respecting Indigenous fire management — and how listening to the land can guide our future.
Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu is an engaging First Nations children's picture book by Victor Steffensen, beautifully illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.
Join Uncle Kuu as he takes young readers out onto Country to discover how Aboriginal people have used cultural burning for thousands of years to care for the land, encourage plants to regenerate and create healthy habitats for animals and people.
The book introduces children to the idea that Country has its own language. By observing the land and understanding its signs, people can learn when and where fire can be used safely and effectively.
Young readers discover that cultural burning is not simply about starting a fire. Aboriginal burning practices involve careful observation, knowledge of Country and using the right type of fire at the right time and place.
Through accessible storytelling and stunning Australian artwork, Looking After Country with Fire explores Indigenous land management, fire ecology, environmental care, Australian ecosystems and connection to Country.
The book provides an important opportunity for children to learn about First Nations knowledge and the ways Aboriginal people have cared for Country over generations.
At the back of the book, readers will also find the lyrics to Victor Steffensen's song “Looking After Country with Fire”.
Why You'll Love It
Learn about cultural burning: Introduces children to Aboriginal approaches to caring for Country with fire.
Connects science and Country: Explores fire ecology, plants, animals and Australian ecosystems through Indigenous knowledge.
Encourages environmental care: Helps children understand the importance of looking after Country.
Beautifully illustrated: Sandra Steffensen's artwork brings Country, plants and animals to life.
Award-winning: Winner of the 2023 Karajia Award for Children's Literature.
Book Details
Title: Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu
Author: Victor Steffensen
Illustrator: Sandra Steffensen
Publisher: Hardie Grant Explore
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781741177824
Published: 19 January 2022
Age: 5–10 years
Genre: First Nations Children's Picture Book
Language: English
Themes: Cultural burning, Indigenous knowledge, fire management, Country, environment, ecology, land management and sustainability
Looking After Country with Fire is a valuable choice for families, educators and libraries looking for Aboriginal children's books about cultural burning, Indigenous knowledge, caring for Country and Australian environmental science.