What can Aboriginal astronomy tell us about the night sky? How is our native flora used in bush medicine? How do Indigenous Australians make axes from stone? What can we learn about sustainable living from 60 000+ years of Indigenous culture? Find out the answers to these questions and more at the Indigenous Science Experience.
In 2022 the Indigenous Science Experience will be delivered in-person and online!
IN-PERSON EVENT:
Date: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Times: 10 am – 3 pm
Location: Redfern Community Centre, 29-53 Hugo St, Redfern
Bookings are not required.
This free, community open event is a celebration of Indigenous and Western science and highlights the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to our everyday lives.
Come along to get hands-on with a diverse range of interactive science activities accessible to all ages. Activities will include: Yarning with Elders on bush foods and medicines, Indigenous astronomy, maths puzzles, making Aboriginal tools, physics and chemistry activities, and much more! You will also meet Indigenous Elders and student leaders from the National Indigenous Science Education Program who will be assisting in demonstrating the activities.
The event will begin with a traditional smoking ceremony and official welcome (10 am). There will also be the opportunity to purchase food and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Check out this video of the 2019 event: https://youtu.be/8GHYNDfl79M
ONLINE EVENT:
The following online sessions are FREE but tickets are limited – RSVPs are essential. These are live online events ONLY; they will not be distributed as recordings.
Weaving Workshops
Workshop 1 – Sunday, August 21, 2022 – 10 am – 12 pm – REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/weaving-workshop-one
Workshop 2 – Sunday, August 21, 2022 – 1 pm – 3 pm – REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/weaving-workshop-two
These workshops will be led by Wiradjuri woman, Renee Cawthorne, who has extensive experience in delivering engaging cultural experiences for diverse audiences. During these hands-on workshops you will learn about the different weaving techniques used by Australia’s First Nations Peoples and how to make your own basket. Materials for you to take part in the weaving workshops will be sent to you after registration; we will ask for your address as part of the registration process. MATERIALS WILL ONLY BE SENT TO LOCATIONS WITHIN AUSTRALIA. This workshop will be delivered via Zoom Meetings, which will allow the presenters to see and interact with you.
Harnessing Knowledge of the Land and the Sea
Monday, August 15, 2022
7.00 pm – 8.00 pm
REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/land-and-the-sea
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia have built an intimate understanding of both the land and the sea and their resources over more than 60,000 years. This session will explore the use of bush medicines and foods by the Yaegl community of northern NSW, before moving on to talking about a less well known but multi-functional resource – seaweed. The discussion will explore how individuals and communities are working to collect and revitalise traditional knowledge on natural resources and extend on this knowledge in innovative ways leading to positive impacts on our food industry and the environment.
Presenters: This session is brought to you by representatives of the Yaegl Community (northern NSW), Sarah Thomas and James Thomas, co-founders of South Coast Seaweed (https://southcoastseaweed.com.au), and Fionnuala Quin from Kelpy (https://www.kelpy.co).
Indigenous History and Artefacts
Thursday, August 18, 2022
7.00 pm – 8.00 pm
REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/indigenous-artefacts
Presented by Paul Craft-Burragun (Uncle Boomerang) from Burragun Aboriginal Cultural Services (www.burragun.com.au), this session will explore the use of tools/utensils/weapons and practices by the First Nations peoples of Australia. A number of artefacts will be shown to the participants and Paul will discuss their use, how they were made and from what types of materials in different areas.
Presenter: Paul Craft-Burragun (Uncle Boomerang) is a Jagera-Turrbul man Bundjalung Yugambeh descendant from the areas of South East Queensland and North East NSW. Paul is passionate about sharing his traditional cultural knowledge and skills with all students in the education system and helping to create an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture in Australia. He has been conducting school visits since 2001. He plays an active part in his local communities and was the founder of the first ever all Aboriginal boomerang team named ‘Deadly Returns’. Paul represented Australia at the World Boomerang Cup in Perth in 2014 as part of the Australian Team of 6 individuals. Through his company ‘Burragan Aboriginal Cultural Services’ (www.burragun.com.au), Paul provides a wide range of cultural education services including incursions, excursions, camps, site tours and scrub walks that are suitable for all ages.
Since 2012, the Indigenous Science Experience at the Redfern Community Centre has been highlighting the value of traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This National Science Week event is organised by the National Indigenous Science Education Program, Macquarie University and hosted by the Redfern Community Centre. It is made possible through the support of Inspiring Australia and grant funding from the Australian Government.
