Full Citation: Kimmerer, R. W., & Lake, F. K. (2001). The Role of Indigenous Burning in Land Management. Journal of Forestry, 99(11), 36–41. https://doi.org/10.1093/jof/99.11.36

Abstract: This article highlights the findings of the literature on aboriginal fire from the human- and the land-centered disciplines, and suggests that the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples be incorporated into plans for reintroducing fire to the nation's forests. Traditional knowledge represents the outcome of long experimentation with application of fire by indigenous people, which can inform contemporary policy discussions.

Key Excerpts: “Ironically, trying to control nature through fire suppression has led to greater unpredictability.”

”Aboriginal use of fire to create and maintain a landscape mosaic is an ancient practice that can be a key to meeting contemporary land-use goals. Fire was used as a pragmatic tool to meet the goals of indigenous practitioners, to increase the yield and diversity of subsistence foods. These practical goals were also coupled to a spiritual responsibility to carefully use fire to multiply life.”

”Indigenous practice and philosophy offer us an alternative view of the “natural” fire regime, in which humans regain their role as “keepers of the fire” and the symbiotic relationship between humans, forests, and fire is reestablished for mutual benefit.”