The Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern 2014
The Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern brought together university academics and students, science outreach organisations, and Aboriginal Elders, community members and young people from all across Australia to bring their wealth of knowledge to the public in a fun, hands-on way.
“This event welcomed the Aboriginal Community to engage and strengthen the values of traditional cultural practices whilst broadening their connection to a wider audience through education” says Kristina Karasulas, Centre Manager and Cultural Development Officer at Redfern Community Centre.
Students from local primary schools will attend the first three days of the event which includes an Interactive Science Show led by Indigenous students from regional NSW high schools, a Science Expo area where they can try traditional bush medicine teas from Arnhem Land, be puzzled by maths, learn about native animals and much more, and put customary knowledge into practise gathering and utilising resources for food, tool and weapon making.
The program culminates in a Family Science Festival, a free all-ages event open to the general public. Local icons Uncle Charles “Chikka” Madden and Uncle Max Eulo will conduct a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to open the day, which will also feature a special guest performance from Indigenous singer songwriter Leah Flanagan. A huge range of activities will be on offer from across many fields of science, including chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environment, engineering, astronomy and mathematics.
