Witness

Australia: Rainmakers of the Outback (2017x38)

Air date: Oct 24, 2017

Putuparri is inspired to fight for his indigenous land when he experiences an elaborate rainmaking ritual take effect in the remote Australian desert. Over the course of 20 years, Tom "Putuparri" Lawford, navigated the deep chasm between his Western upbringing and traditional Aboriginal culture as he transformed from a rebellious young man into an inspirational leader. His grandfather "Spider" taught Putuparri bush knowledge and the Aboriginal Dreamtime myths. For more than 40,000 years, their ancestors lived a nomadic life, knowing they could always retreat to their sacred waterholes when times were hard. A process of cultural awakening begins when Putuparri returns to his homeland in the desert with Spider and is shocked to learn that the Dreamtime myths are not just stories. Spurred into action by what he experiences, Putuparri dedicates himself to reclaiming the land taken from his ancestors and battling bureaucracy and political apathy. He is also under immense pressure to preserve an age-old culture while coming to terms with his own turbulent past.