A motorized tinnie can now complete a journey along the Arnhem Land coast in hours—a trip that once took days by canoe. But this newfound speed has complex effects on Indigenous peoples’ connection to their ancestral Country, according to research from Charles Darwin University.

The study examines how technological advances in transport have changed historic and modern journeys between Warruwi and Maningrida, two Northern Territory towns over 250 km apart. Collaborating with Elders and Traditional Owners Samuel, Henry, Jack, and their families from Maningrida, the researcher explored how the shift from dugout canoes to motorboats and helicopters has impacted the way people relate to their land.

Adapting to change

During fieldwork in 2023–2024, the Elders shared their experiences of these changes. They explained that faster travel has ended the need for overnight camping and has made it less common for multiple generations to travel together.

For Sam, Henry, and Jack, the quiet, deliberate pace of canoe travel fostered a deep, embodied understanding of their obligations to Country. That learning is harder to pass on during today’s faster journeys.

“The way we move is closely tied to the way we know,” the researcher explains. “Technology has made travel faster and reduced remoteness, but this acceleration hasn’t supported the meaningful interactions with Country that my collaborators in Maningrida value deeply.”

Sitting and pausing

Faster travel limits opportunities for sitting, observing, and engaging with the land. Elders are concerned about these missed encounters, particularly in the context of government policies that prioritize urban growth over support for outstations. Spending time on Country is increasingly restricted, making every chance to reconnect even more precious—but not all experiences allow for the depth of connection they seek.

To address this, Elders and knowledge holders in Maningrida have commissioned a larger project to explore ways of renewing relationships with their land. A key initiative involves creating videos to teach younger generations about significant ancestral places.

“This is for the next generation,” the researcher notes. “We made these videos so they can see and learn about kunak (Country) and nguya (clans). It’s a way to ensure they know their families and their land.”

As technology reshapes how we move, this research highlights the importance of slowing down to preserve and strengthen the ties between people and their ancestral homes.