Yarning with traditional owners in remote communities was an opportunity for Indigenous conservationist Josie Alec to engage in deep conversation.
Ms Alec, a Kuruma Marthedunera woman from the Pilbara and Indigenous lead at the Australian Conservation Foundation, visited the outback communities for its Heart of Country program.
"I've been travelling around the nation talking with traditional custodians in their country about their country and the significance of them looking after their country straight from their hearts," she said.
"It's basically a truth-telling story about the heart of country, the people who have been looking after country for millennia and their families."
The ACF has put out a statement in support of a 'yes' vote in the upcoming referendum on a First Nations voice, to be held later this year.
"As we confront the urgent climate and nature crises, we have much to learn from the country's original, enduring custodians," it said.
"Rightful recognition of, and genuine reconciliation with, First Nations peoples is fundamental to protecting nature in Australia.
"Crucially, the voice represents momentum in the right direction, toward a treaty."
Ms Alec, a passionate supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, found many of the traditional custodians are either initially opposed to voice or haven't heard a lot about it.
"I straight up tell them, 'I've signed ACF up to it and these are the reasons why'," she said.
"It's so when decisions are made about things that affect you, you've got someone there who is going to make sure that your voice is heard.
"And then they go, 'OK, now I understand, that's actually really clever'."
The conservation movement has been embracing Indigenous knowledge-holders in recent times, recognising that the best environmental outcomes come from listening to the people who have been looking after country for tens of thousands of years.
"Our people have scientific knowledge that's been passed down over millennia," Ms Alec said.
"It's not in opposition to Western science, people are starting to realise and recognise that our ancient practices mean everything in that world.
"I see a lot of environmental organisations, like ACF, breaking through the barriers and engaging with First Nations people in the right way, so things are starting to change."
Ms Alec is frequently asked how people should vote on referendum day, some time later this year.
"The one thing I tell people is to get all the information and vote with your heart," she said.
