Celebrating the first sciences of these lands
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Artwork created by a family visiting the
Indigenous Science Experience in Redfern.
Photo: National Science Week
Celebrating the first sciences of these lands:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
share their stories
Inspiring ideas for National Science Week
1 National Science Week 2022
FOREWORD
First Peoples science is everyday future generations. Our understanding
A warning to Aboriginal and science. Science has always been, of the environment comes from
Torres Strait Islander people and continues to be, a part of researching, respecting and learning
that this brochure may contain everyday life for Aboriginal and Torres from the land, waterways and skies,
images and words of people Strait Islander peoples. Science and their complex interactions with
who have died. All images have
is embedded into every aspect of us and each other. Our scientific
been used with permission.
our culture and our understanding knowledge has helped our cultures be
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK of Country. Cultural stories, songs, recognised as the oldest continuous
acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal art, dance, family connections and living cultures in the world. We
and Torres Strait Islander peoples knowledge systems are all forms of are the first scientists, makers and
as the traditional custodians science and science communication. innovators of these lands and waters.
and first scientists, makers and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Peoples science continues
innovators of this land and their
peoples’ scientific knowledge is today. Many prominent Aboriginal and
continuing connection to Country.
interwoven into the broader Australian Torres Strait Islander people continue
We pay respect to all Elders past
community. Most Australians have to make invaluable contributions
and present, and to First Peoples
tea tree oil in their medicine cabinet to modern science. Our cultural
everywhere. First Peoples culture is
and know it can be used as an stories contain a wealth of scientific
the oldest continuous culture in the
antiseptic, anti-fungal, antimicrobial knowledge on how to sustainably look
world. The first scientists passed
and anti-inflammatory agent. Many after Country and the many species
on the lessons of the land, sea and
Australians also know that if there is that live here. We are the first doctors,
sky to the future scientists of today
an influx of ants it could mean rain is healers and health innovators. As
through stories, song and dance.
on its way. These examples are just a the climate continues to change due
First Peoples call this caring for
tiny taste of the scientific knowledge to human impact, our knowledge
Country. If you care for Country,
that has come from Aboriginal and and sustainable practices are more
the Country will care for you.
Torres Strait Islander peoples and valuable than ever. The combination
is part of everyday Australian use. of our knowledge systems with
Foreword by the Aboriginal and modern science is vital for sustainably
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Torres Strait Islander brochure managing the land, waterways, animal
people have cared for Country for tens
advisory committee: Professor and plant life and the health of our
Lisa Jackson Pulver AM, of thousands of years. Understanding
many communities into the future.
Dr Michael Doyle, Mr Steven Ross and respecting Country has been
and Mr Corey Tutt. critical for surviving and thriving in National Science Week is a great
the vastest of landscapes and the annual opportunity to continue
Jarli stands in the outback with her many climates of our lands over to inspire the current and next
family in the animation Jarli. The millennia. We understand how to live generation of scientists in Australia.
animation was created in a collaboration with and manage Country sustainably We welcome this year’s focus on
between UTS Animal Logic Academy to ensure there is food and water for celebrating Aboriginal and Torres
and the Royal Australian Air Force’s
Strait Islander science and encourage
Jericho Disruptive Innovation. Jarli was
developed to encourage an interest all to listen, learn and better
in space-focused careers and STEM understand First Peoples science.
among young Australians.
Source: Department of Defence
2 National Science Week 2022
A NATIONAL WEEK CORNUCOPIA
OF SCIENCE OF EVENTS
National Science Week is During National Science Week, over
Australia’s annual celebration of one million people participate in
science and technology, running more than 1,000 events across the
each year in August. country.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Each year, these events attract
knowledge systems contain a a wide audience – from children
wealth of scientific information. They to adults, and from science
contribute significantly to Australian amateurs to professionals.
STEM research and to the broader
Events are held by universities,
Australian community. The integration
schools, research institutions,
of First Peoples science and western
museums, science centres,
science is becoming more widely
libraries, industries, community
recognised in Australia and abroad.
groups and private organisations.
This brochure offers examples of the
Participating organisations play an
important contributions Aboriginal
important role in the community, with
and Torres Strait Islander science
the opportunity to connect with official
and traditional knowledge make in
National Science Week events.
understanding our world and our place
in Australia. It contains examples With so many fascinating stories to
of how science is everywhere, share, this publication could have
from the land to the skies and been a book rather than a brochure.
waterways. This brochure also The selected stories aim to provide a
provides resources and guidance taste of the inspirational knowledge
on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait known by Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, and First Peoples Islander peoples across the nation.
science, can be an integral part of
Jarli. Source: Department of Defence
all National Science Week events.
Photo: National Science Week
3 National Science Week 2022
Aboriginal and Torres There have been many prominent contributed years of knowledge
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to the medical world, including
Strait Islander scientists scientists. For example, in the 20th research into brain cancer.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander century David Unaipon, a Ngarrindjeri
Dr Michael Doyle, a Bardi man from
people have been using science and man from South Australia, developed
the Kimberley in Western Australia,
developing scientific techniques for the concept of a helicopter by studying
works in public health research
millennia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait the way boomerangs spin through
specialising in Aboriginal and Torres
Islander peoples practise science the air decades before the first
Strait Islander health issues. He
in all aspects of life – such as using helicopter was built. David Unaipon
said, ‘I see more and more research
fish traps, navigating via the stars, now features on Australia’s $50 note.
projects being led by Aboriginal and/
fire management and agriculture.
Kirsten Banks is a proud Wiradjuri or Torres Strait Islander researchers.
The use of science and a deep
woman and passionate astrophysicist I think there is a real advantage
understanding of the environment
and science communicator. She has in our own mob working with
contribute to the longevity of
been involved in National Science researchers to understand health.’
cultures and knowledge systems.
Week, leading presentations on the
But you don’t need a degree to do
importance of astronomy in First
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait science, and science isn’t always
Peoples culture and knowledge.
Islander scientists make important done in a laboratory or on a computer.
Kirsten has discussed how we can
contributions in physics, maths, Using cultural and scientific
all learn so much from each
astronomy, architecture, engineering, knowledge to care for Country
of the First Nations’ different
biology, art, health, conservation, can be done everywhere,
connections to the skies.
marine science and more. Caring for every day. Science contributes
Country requires careful observations, In the health sciences field, to traditional and modern
measurements, trials and adaptations Associate Professor Misty Aboriginal and Torres
– the very things that underpin Jenkins, a Gunditjmara Strait Islander knowledge.
the process, understanding and woman from Victoria, is This knowledge is used
application of science. an immunologist who has to observe, measure and
manage the environment,
wellbeing and health of First
Caring for Country requires careful observations, Peoples communities, and all
measurements, trials and adaptations – the very communities across Australia.
things that underpin the process, understanding
and application of science.
Jarli in her space suit. Source: Department of Defence
Torres Strait environmental challenges: traditional
knowledge and western science join forces
Torres Strait Islander people have thrived in harmony with their Sea Country
(located between mainland Australia and Papua New Guinea) for many
thousands of years.
Actions led by Traditional Knowledge Custodians, alongside western science,
help First Peoples deal with ocean acidification, mining, plastic pollution, rising
sea levels and climate change, all of which threaten the continuity of traditional
ways of living and long-held cultural practices.
In 1993, Torres Strait governance bodies adopted the first Torres Strait
Marine Strategy. Communities have since worked vigorously to protect their
interconnectedness to Land and Sea. Examples include creating artwork
from discarded fishnets, developing sustainable land-use plans to reduce
the impacts of population growth, and establishing seasonal calendars that
incorporate traditional knowledge.
4 National Science Week 2022
RESOURCES
INSPIRING IDEAS
Understand that Aboriginal and
How to hold an engaging Torres Strait Islander peoples belong
Australian Institute of Aboriginal
and respectful First to continuing and deep cultures.
Peoples science event Use present tense when describing
and Torres Strait Islander Studies
cultural practices and knowledge.
https://aiatsis.gov.au/
Inspiring ideas of how to
include First Peoples science in Seek guidance from Aboriginal and
a National Science Week event: Torres Strait Islander people on
the most respectful and preferred
Learn about the lands of your area naming convention. For example,
and open your event with an many people prefer the term
Acknowledgment of Country. Traditional Custodian to Traditional
For example: Owner; some prefer the term Cultural
Custodian or Cultural Authority.
The Little Red Yellow Black Book: We acknowledge all Aboriginal and
An introduction to Indigenous Torres Strait Islander Traditional
Custodians of Country and recognise Be respectful of the role that
Australia (Fourth Edition)
their continuing connection to land, spirituality and culture have in First
https://aiatsis.gov.au/publication/34972
sea, culture and community. We Peoples science.
pay our respects to Elders past and
Food: Diffe
rent By Des
ign
present and those emerging. Always seek permission to use
A First Natio sign
ns Perspective
t By De
Food and of
Differen
someone’s name, photograph or
Food:
Food: Different By Design Agriculture ctive of
Perspe
Understand that an Acknowledgment
Nations
A First Nations Perspective of A First ture
Agricul
Food and Agriculture Food and
of Country is different to a Welcome voice. Always seek guidance on
2021 Nation
Lesson Conten
al Science
Week Teachers’ rs’ Res
ource: to Country. An Acknowledgement of how to use stories and knowledge
belonging to Aboriginal and Torres
t Directory Resource: k Teache
Aboriginal rity
and Torres for Cross- nce Wee lum Prio
Country can be given by anyone as a
Strait Islande Curriculum Priority ional Scie s-Curricu and Cultures
2021 National Science Week Teachers’ Resource: r Histories
and Culture 2021 Nat Directory
for Cros
Histories
s tent der
on Con it Islan
Lesson Content Directory for Cross-Curriculum Priority Less es Stra
aland Torr
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Aborigin
way of showing respect. A Welcome Strait Islander people.
to Country is performed by the cultural
National Science Week Indigenous custodians of the land. When including Aboriginal and
Teachers’ Resource Book 2021 Torres Strait Islander knowledge
https://www.scienceweek.net.au/ Recognise that there is huge diversity in a National Science Week
wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021_ within Aboriginal and Torres Strait event, it is important to know who
Indigenous_Resource_Book.pdf Islander groups, and while this is the knowledge belongs to and
a collective term it is important not understand who has the right to
Regional First Peoples’ knowledge to generalise. share it, and how.
resource examples
Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre It is essential to consult early
http://www.yarkuwa.org.au/
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Indigenous Knowledge Centres https:// Islander people about how to portray
www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/partnerships- knowledge and culture of Country,
collaboration/local-government-and-
Skies and Sea.
public-libraries/indigenous-knowledge
Look for more local resources in your area.
Don’t assume that every older
person is a recognised Elder. When
speaking to an Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander older person, check if
it is okay to call them Aunty or Uncle.
The Australian Style Manual:
inclusive language
https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/accessible-
and-inclusive-content/inclusive-language/
aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples
5 National Science Week 2022
SHARED STORIES
You don’t have to be in the
bush, you can be in the city
and get a bird feeder and
learn about the birds’ calls.
Uncle Brendan Kerin and his yidaki.
Photo: Uncle Brendan Kerin
The science of sound
Hearing can be a sense that ‘Listening means you can understand,’ Uncle Brendan showed the students
we overlook in a modern world Uncle Brendan said. ‘Listening to the a bullroarer, a wooden instrument on
where we rely on sight more wind tells us what direction it’s coming a long piece of string. He explained
than sound. Yet if we know from, how far away the weather that the bullroarer is used to
might be. Wind sounds different communicate over long distances.
how to listen, sound can teach
moving through different trees. Sound ‘It was like the first mobile phone.’
us so much about our world.
helps us to hunt and to survive.’
This is what Uncle Brendan As part of the event, a representative
Japangardi Kerin, a proud In 2021, Uncle Brendan talked to from the sound, visual and display
Marrawarra, Barkindji, and primary school students about the technology company Dolby discussed
Arrernte man, explained during importance of listening, wherever the science of the inner ear and
you are. explained the types of jobs available
the 2021 National Science Week
to students of sound technology.
event, The Science of Sound. ‘You don’t have to be in the bush,
you can be in the city and get a bird The Science of Sound event
feeder and learn about the birds’ was organised by the National
calls. By listening, you can learn Indigenous Science Education
the language of the animals.’ Program, Macquarie University,
and Redfern Community Centre.
During the online event, Uncle
Brendan played his yidaki, explaining
how vibrations are the cause of sound.
6 National Science Week 2022
Gula Guri mayin (Heal the body) – painting by Bernard Lee Singleton.
© Bernard Lee Singleton 2015
Painting parasites
In 2015, the Australian Society Cameron Raw is a Lyluequonny man, ‘Rich knowledge is encoded in
for Parasitology entered into a veterinarian and PhD candidate, many wonderful ways in Indigenous
a unique partnership with a who works in One Health programs in culture,’ he said. ‘Here we see
group of Aboriginal and Torres Australian Indigenous communities. the X-ray painting style revealing
detailed anatomy, and the cyclical
Strait Islander artists in Far He worked with the Australian
life of parasites is reflected in
North Queensland. Society for Parasitology during
our song cycles and dances.’
National Science Week to educate
The project explored the themes of
communities around Australia about Supported by an Inspiring Australia
parasites and health. It centred around
parasites. His work with One Health grant, Bernard Lee Singleton
Cairns artist Bernard Lee Singleton’s
also recognises the interconnection created the painting Gula Guri mayin
magnificent painting, Gula Guri
between parasites, people, animals, in 2015. Tai Inoue and Russell
mayin, which means ‘heal the body’.
plants, and their shared environment. Milledge also produced digital art
The project raised awareness of the to accompany the painting.
Cameron said the art styles and
impact of parasite-related illness on
content Bernard used in his painting The artworks and animation are
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
are great examples of Indigenous available at https://www.parasite.
communities. The painting teaches
cultural and scientific knowledge. org.au/outreach/gula-guri-mayin/
the life cycle of parasites and serves
as a reminder of the importance of
hygiene in preventing these diseases.
Rich knowledge is encoded in many
wonderful ways in Indigenous culture.
7 National Science Week 2022
We need to debunk the myth
that caring for Country means
leaving it alone as wilderness.
Michael Shawn Fletcher at the Bolin Bolin Billabong.
Photo: Jack Banister
Managing bushfires with traditional
knowledge and science
In 2020, Wiradjuri man and ‘We need to debunk the myth that to be re-built and the knowledge
University of Melbourne caring for Country means leaving sharing process given time and the
Associate Professor Michael it alone, as wilderness. Australia’s appropriate credit.
Fletcher-Shaw, and the landscapes were not wilderness, they
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
were managed and cared for by First
Bureau of Meteorology’s peoples’ knowledge has not been
Peoples,’ Michael said. ‘We need
Sandra Whight, spoke about forgotten, although many people
to continue this management today
how Australia can learn to mistakenly think it has,’ Michael
by getting out onto the ground and
manage bushfires better. said. ‘Our knowledge is strong, but
reconnecting with Country, and by
it has been long exploited and now
The online presentation was run using modern science, for example,
there needs to be reciprocity.’
for the public by the Australian remote sensing technology, or aerial
Academy of Science as part of support to help with cultural burning.’ Michael hopes that the presentation
National Science Week. will help educate more Australians
Michael also said while many
about the importance of combining
Michael said the key to managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
traditional knowledge and modern
fire in Australia is the combination people had a wealth of critical
science to manage Australia’s
of cultural knowledge and knowledge to share, trust between
landscape and reduce catastrophic
modern science. First Peoples and science needed
bushfires in the future.
8 National Science Week 2022
Mitch Mahoney constructing an eel trap at Footscray Community Arts.
Photo: Nicole Cleary
Rejuvenating rivers through sustainable art
In 2019, Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta The eel trap was completely Week. ‘There were artists and
and Boonwurrung/Wemba biodegradable, made from river reeds. non-artists of all ages who helped,’
Wemba artist Maree Clarke Once completed, it was released Maree said.
and Boonwurrung artist Mitch into the Maribyrnong River. While
‘The trap ended up catching rubbish
Maree brought the idea for the
Mahoney and a community of down near where the old pier was.
piece to life, the community helped
over 300 people, constructed a And because we made the trap
make it possible.
10-metre eel trap. from reeds, as it decomposed, the
Maree said participants contributed reed’s seeds ended up washing
The project was a collaboration
to weaving the trap over six weeks, downstream where they will grow
between Science Gallery Melbourne
including during National Science more reeds to support the waterway.’
and Footscray Community Arts.
Mitch said the eel trap is a key
technology used by a lot of First
Peoples as a sustainable fishing
practice. ‘The purpose of this event
was to get people thinking in a The purpose of this event was to get people
sustainable way – thinking about thinking in a sustainable way – thinking about how
how we deal with our waste in
Australia, our attitudes to waste and we deal with our waste in Australia, our attitudes
how we can live more sustainably.’ to waste and how we can live more sustainably.
9 National Science Week 2022
Ntaria Community School student building a mini rocket.
Photo: CSIRO
Rural outreach
In 2016, CSIRO led a National Aimee said these events were
Science Week experiment at important to inspire the next
the Ntaria Community School generation and show students that We made mini rockets
in the Northern Territory. scientists are real people.
and had competitions to
‘I grew up in a remote town and I
Aimee Woods, a Wiradjuri woman see how high they could
and Assistant Dean at Dunmore still went to university,’ she said.
‘I think it’s really important to show go, and then raced robots
Lang College at Macquarie University,
was a CSIRO cadet. Along with other these rural kids that people in the made out of toothbrushes.
CSIRO staff and volunteers, Aimee same circumstances as them can
performed science experiments for still choose a career in science or
approximately 170 students. a university if they want to.’
‘We made mini rockets and had Due to their popularity, the National
competitions to see how high they Science Week events have continued
could go, and then raced robots made each year at Ntaria.
out of toothbrushes,’ she said.
10 National Science Week 2022Science is embedded
in our culture, and it is
all about balance ...
Teangi Brown giving the Science of the Black Box presentation.
Photo: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Black-box science
Teangi Brown is a proud The online learning program is In 2020, Teangi presented a live-
Umpila, Kantju, Kuku-Yalanji, aimed at encouraging young people stream Science of the Black Box
Trawlwoolway, Plangermaireener to explore Tasmanian First Nations presentation for National Science
and Bunurong First Nations artefacts and the modern science Week. He used green screen
behind them. technology to visually engage with
man who grew up in Lutruwita
participants and allow them to get
(Tasmania) and on Trowunna During the Science of the Black Box
close to the materials he presented.
(Cape Barren Island) in the presentation, Teangi discusses
Bass Strait. several First Nations scientific Teangi said Science Week events
principles, including oxidisation of can have a profound effect on young
He is a First Nations interpretations kelp to make baskets, the uses of people. ‘It’s about presenting science
consultant and is passionate about shearwater birds (including their oil through a lens kids can understand.
sharing knowledge on Tasmanian and meat) and why the grass tree Some of my fondest scientific
First Nations culture. needs to be burnt to germinate. memories go back to the science
Teangi’s passion led him to create presentations I saw as a kid.’
‘Science is embedded in our culture,
the Science of the Black Box and it is all about balance,’ Teangi
presentation for the Tasmanian said. ‘You only ever take a little bit
Museum and Art Gallery. from nature.’
11 National Science Week 2022Science is for everyone, but you
can’t be what you can’t see ...
Corey giving a Deadly Science presentation.
Photo: Deadly Science
You can’t be what you can’t see
National Science Week aims In 2021, Corey became Chair of ‘Science is for everyone, but you
to be truly ‘national’. But not the NSW Executive Committee for can’t be what you can’t see,’ he said.
all Australian students have National Science Week and Inspiring ‘All kids in Australia, no matter what
the same access to science. Australia and gave a keynote speech background they have, should have
during National Science Week. He access to a science education, but
That is where proud Kamilaroi man said National Science Week plays an also the real education, the education
Corey Tutt comes in. Corey is the CEO important role in encouraging young of our people, the first scientists.’
and founder of Deadly Science, an people’s interest in science and is a
organisation dedicated to increasing This is what led Corey to write The
great opportunity for Aboriginal and
science education in remote and First Scientists, about Australia’s
Torres Strait Islander peoples to share
regional schools across Australia, with Indigenous people and their
their science expertise.
a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait connection and ongoing contribution
Islander communities. Since 2018, ‘We need more kids interested in to science through astronomy,
Deadly Science has been inspiring science because we need more engineering, forensics, ecology, land
a love of science in school students scientists and more hope,’ he said. management and more.
by providing science book packs and Corey stressed the importance of ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
equipment, such as microscopes. having Indigenous representation in peoples’ contribution to science is
science events and science textbooks not a past tense thing,’ he said. ‘The
so that Indigenous people have the knowledge is still important today,
chance to see their culture and their maybe even more so.’
role models in STEM.
12 National Science Week 2022Kobi Morrison presenting to researchers during National Science Week 2019.
Photo: Tasha Faye
Engaging with First Peoples’ knowledge
Kobi Morrison, a Bibbulmun Kobi said there are a few simple
Noongar man, is a Noongar actions people can do to start engaging
cultural facilitator in Western with First Peoples’ knowledge. Everyone can give an
Australia. ‘Everyone can give an Acknowledgment to
Acknowledgment to Country, find
In 2019, he ran a workshop with Country, find out who are
Propel Youth Arts Western Australia at out who are the leaders in their local
community, get an Elder’s opinion the leaders in their local
the Perth State Library to encourage
researchers from Western Australia to and integrate language into research community, get an Elder’s
using word lists.’
engage with First Peoples’ knowledge. opinion and integrate
Kobi explained that people are often Kobi also said research must consider language into research
the diversity of the hundreds of
afraid to discuss or include First
First Peoples.
using word lists.
Peoples science in their work.
‘People don’t do anything because ‘Many people lose sight of the First
they don’t want to do the wrong thing,’ Peoples’ variety of knowledge because
he said. ‘But this is really damaging to of the generic term Aboriginal,’ he said.
the continuation of our knowledge.’ ‘Also, we need to remember that a
nation’s science is relevant to the
world around us.’
13 National Science Week 2022ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CONTACTS
In the Jarli animation, Jarli descends the
Wirraway Lander spaceship to be the first
person to step onto Ganymede, Jupiter’s
largest moon. Source: Department of Defence
For general information about National
Science Week, contact the National
Science Week Team at:
EMAIL scienceweek@questacon.edu.au
PHONE 02 6270 2880
POST Questacon, PO Box 5322
Kingston ACT 2604
THANK YOU National Science FOLLOW NATIONAL SCIENCE
Week would like to acknowledge WEEK on Facebook (https:// Register your events on the National
and thank the organisations www.facebook. com/ Science Week website at https://
and individuals around Australia nationalscienceweek) and www.scienceweek.net.au/login/
who shared stories, knowledge Twitter (@Aus_ScienceWeek)
and photos of their exciting and tell us what you’re doing Content by Scientell.
First Peoples science events. by tagging #scienceweek. Design by Soggy Brolly.
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