Embracing Indigenous Wisdom: The Aboriginal Walkers' Mission to Preserve Bushman Culture

In a world where indigenous knowledge and traditions are rapidly fading into the background, initiatives like the Aboriginal Walkers’ mission serve as a beacon of hope. Led by passionate cultural custodians such as Catherine Arendse and Khoi Bushman, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the ancient ways of the Bushmen people and ensuring their wisdom is passed on to future generations. 

 From February 16 to 27, the Aboriginal Walkers will embark on a significant walk in Namibia. This event, which has garnered global attention with participants from Canada, the USA, Austria, and Germany, aims to raise awareness about the indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions of the Bushmen of Southern Africa. The walk will focus on ancient foraging techniques, survival skills, and the deep-rooted historical significance of the Bushmen, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their way of life.

The conversation began with Catherine Arendse introducing herself and her connection to the Bushman culture. Catherine, whose name is rooted in the language of the Khoi and San people, has dedicated her life to ensuring that the stories, language, and spirituality of the Bushmen are not lost to time. She shared the importance of passing down these traditions to the youth, recognizing that knowledge is only valuable when it’s shared and kept alive.

 “The information means nothing if you do not transfer it to the next generation,” she said. This philosophy underpins the mission of the Aboriginal Walkers, who are committed to educating both the Bushmen’s descendants and the broader world about the richness of their cultural heritage.

Catherine also explained the mission of the Aboriginal Walkers: to reconnect communities, especially those in South Africa that have historically been disconnected from their indigenous roots, with their cultural heritage. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the Bushmen’s contributions to the world, especially in the realms of plant knowledge and spirituality, which have shaped various cultures across the globe.

 Through annual walks, the Aboriginal Walkers not only aim to educate but also to dispel myths and misrepresentations about the Bushmen. In doing so, they help reassert the significance of the Bushmen people, whose ancient traditions continue to thrive despite the challenges of colonization and modernization.

“People did not come here with plant knowledge. Our ancestors taught it to the rest of the cultures and ancestors,” Catherine shared, reinforcing the Bushmen’s role as the original stewards of many practices still in use today.

 This year’s walk, however, will take on a special focus. It will center around survival skills, foraging, and trekking through the wilds of Namibia. Previous walks, such as the 2023 trek from Wairover to Kronstadt, had a spiritual theme, with ceremonies held for the souls of those who had passed. These walks serve not only as a form of cultural expression but as a reminder of the deep spiritual connection the Bushmen maintain with the earth.

As Khoi Bushman, a key member of the Aboriginal Walkers, explained, the preservation of indigenous knowledge is essential for the survival of both the Bushmen culture and the earth itself. He explained that the Bushmen are not only custodians of their culture but also of the earth, teaching people how to live in harmony with nature.

 The core of this philosophy involves respecting nature’s balance. When foraging for plants, for example, participants are taught not to take without giving in return. Whether it’s offering a piece of hair, nails, or even a prayer, the act of taking is always done with respect for the plant’s life force, ensuring that no harm is done to the ecosystem.

“In our tradition, you never take without giving something back,” Khoi said. This practice is vital in teaching people how to engage with nature respectfully and sustainably something that is becoming increasingly important as the world faces environmental challenges.

During the interview, Khoi Bushman also touched on the challenges the Bushmen face today. Many Aboriginal communities, including the Bushmen, struggle with issues such as unemployment, alcohol abuse, and the loss of land rights. These struggles are not unique to the Bushmen but are shared by indigenous people across the globe.

The government’s policies in Southern Africa, including the infamous 1950 Population Registration Act, which labeled the Bushmen as "colored," have systematically marginalized these communities. Without access to their traditional lands, the Bushmen have been forced into settlements or forced labor, further alienating them from their cultural practices and the land that sustains them.

Khoi stressed that the disconnection from the land has a profound impact on the Bushmen’s sense of identity and well-being. “When you disconnect from the earth, you lose your spirit,” he said. “When you lose your connection with the earth, you lose your connection to yourself.”

This disconnection often manifests in social problems such as gang violence and crime. Khoi pointed out that when indigenous people are cut off from their ancestral lands, their spirits are left in turmoil, leading to devastating social consequences.

For those interested in supporting the Aboriginal Walkers’ mission, Catherine provided details on how people can get involved. The organization offers opportunities for both local and international participants to join their walks and experience the Bushmen culture firsthand. There are also opportunities for workshops and cultural exchanges, particularly with schools and organizations eager to learn more about indigenous wisdom.

To learn more or to register for the walk, individuals can visit the Aboriginal Walkers’ Facebook page, where all the necessary information is shared. Additionally, Catherine and Khoi are available for outreach programs, offering workshops and talks to anyone interested in understanding the importance of preserving indigenous culture.

The Aboriginal Walkers are not only preserving the ancient traditions of the Bushmen but also serving as a voice for indigenous communities worldwide. By raising awareness and educating others about the significance of indigenous knowledge, they are ensuring that future generations understand the critical importance of living in harmony with nature.

Through their walks, educational programs, and commitment to cultural preservation, the Aboriginal Walkers are taking bold steps in preserving the traditions and wisdom of the Bushmen, ensuring that their legacy endures for years to come.

Written by Mkuseli "Khusi" Veto