Ep 2. The Great Drought

A gripping episode of First Footprints, "The Great Drought" delves into one of the most challenging times in Australia's history. The episode takes us back 13,000 years to the time of the Great Drought, which lasted for 1,400 years. This catastrophic event occurred during the last Ice Age and had a devastating impact on the continent's people, animals, and vegetation.

The episode follows the struggle of Aboriginal people during this time, as they had to overcome numerous challenges to survive. The lack of water and food resulted in the need for ingenious solutions to meet their basic needs. We see how Indigenous people harnessed their knowledge of the environment to develop a range of strategies to help them in the drought. The episode delves deep into the vast range of survival tactics employed by Aboriginal people, and it offers a glimpse into the resilience and strength of their cultures.

Most importantly, the episode highlights the primary sources of water during this drought, which include wetlands, rivers, and springs. The importance of water in the arid environment is emphasized in various scenes, and we see the significant lengths that Indigenous people went to procure it. Not only did they travel long distances to reach water bodies, but they also constructed canals and wells to catch and store water for extended periods.

The episode portrays the impacts of the Great Drought on both fauna and flora. It brings to light the extinction of some of the country's iconic species such as the giant wombat-like species known as Diprotodon and the huge kangaroo Procoptodon. The show offers a detailed analysis of how the harsh conditions of the drought impacted the survival of these animals and their plants. The episode highlights the incredible adaptations of these species to a variety of landscapes, from woodlands to grasslands, and the unique ways they could cope with the drought's dry conditions.

Moreover, "The Great Drought" showcases the innovative practices of the Aboriginal community during the drought. The Indigenous people of that time exhibited an unparalleled level of ecosystem management, which the episode beautifully highlights. We see how Indigenous techniques such as use of fire and selective grazing were used to keep the ecosystem in balance. The audience is treated to a demonstration of how the Indigenous people employed these techniques to promote biodiversity during the dry season.

The episode also covers the spiritual significance of the drought to the Indigenous communities. We are introduced to some of the traditional stories and beliefs that Australia's first people had about the drought and how they served as coping mechanisms. The episode further demonstrates how these cultural beliefs still hold meaning today, and how they continue to shape the practices of Aboriginal people.

In summary, "The Great Drought" is a profound episode of First Footprints that covers the trials and triumphs of the Aboriginal community during one of the most significant natural calamities in Australia's history. The episode showcases how Indigenous people persevered through the dry season and the innovative approaches they employed to ensure their survival. It also provided a detailed look into the impact of the drought on the environment, animal and plant life, and the incredible adaptations necessary to survive a world reshaped by climate change. It is an insightful and educational episode that shows the strength of the human spirit and highlights the importance of making the most of our resources during challenging times.