Reading the Country Project - Jerry Jangala on teaching rangers tracking skills

Jerry Jangala Patrick, senior knowledge holder and one of the few surviving Yapa who grew up living off the land, has a lot to share about understanding country. As a senior Warlpiri Elder living in the community of Lajamanu at the northern tip of the Tanami Desert, he is one of the expert trackers and leading masterminds behind the Reading the Country Project. In this film Jerry imparts his knowledge, history and passion for teaching and animal tracking. According to Dione Kelly (previous Senior Warlpiri Ranger), “Jangala is really valuable in life itself, for Warlpiri. He teaches us everything.” Reading the Country is a Central Land Council pilot training and development project that aims to equip Aboriginal rangers and other remote community residents with the knowledge and skills required to track animals. “This knowledge is still really important for us and Rangers are using tracking in their work all the time,” says Jerry. Times have changed from when Jerry was young, as there are less people to learn from, less time for learning and tracking is no longer needed to survive. Jerry recognises this and says the training framework will enable expert trackers and rangers to fast-track learning through supporting intensive learning opportunities.