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Co-authored by Dr Yvonne Davila and Professor Chris Matthews FTSE

Our planet is undergoing significant change at multiple scales due to climate change, resulting in a range of global challenges. To meet these challenges, scientists in partnership with Indigenous peoples play an important role in understanding and addressing current and future global issues (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2023).

In the subject Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues, students develop their understanding of how scientific inquiry and problem solving can and should work collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and their knowledge systems. This subject also supports students to develop critical thinking skills and professional attributes to conduct science ethically and respectfully for a successful career. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been employing scientific methods of data collection, such as observation and experimentation, for tens of thousands of years – long before western science came to Australia. 

CSIRO, n.d.

Diverse knowledge systems and scientific practice

Diverse knowledges and values include Indigenous Knowledges, cultural values, local knowledge and scientific knowledge (IPCC, 2023). Drawing on diverse knowledges and partnerships can enable a pathway towards securing a liveable and sustainable future for all. 

Using an inquiry-based approach in their workshops, students explore examples from the scientific literature, authored by Aboriginal knowledge holders and scientists, of research applying broad ‘cross-cultural science principles’. These projects integrate Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practice with scientific knowledge, respectfully and effectively, to achieve greater land management and conservation outcomes in Australia (Lindsay et al., 2022). From the articles, students identify the principles of respectful consultation and engagement principles, the application of ethical research practices, and reciprocal benefits resulting from the collaboration. 

To compliment the workshop, students also engage with online resources including a TEDx talk by Albert Wiggan (2019), calling for the recognition of Indigenous knowledge as science. After the workshop, students are extended by considering how science and scientific decision-making has had a history of excluding First Nations people, and how scientific endeavours should include and be led by First Nations peoples and perspectives. 

Conducting science ethically, responsibly, sustainably

Many products we use each day contain compounds taken from nature. But throughout history around the world, native plants, animals, and other biological materials have been removed without the consent of Indigenous peoples who rely on, care for and are connected to them. 

In another of the subject’s workshops, students explore and discuss a recently revised Queensland law governing ‘traditional knowledge and biodiscovery’. This legislation now requires anyone engaging in biodiscovery to take all reasonable measures to form agreement with the custodians of Indigenous knowledges being used, including a benefit-sharing agreement.

Students learn about the significance of collaboration between custodians of traditional knowledges and scientists, and responsible research that aligns with ethical guidelines for conducting research. Such guidelines include: 

Impact on students’ learning

In this subject, students develop cultural competencies to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations within scientific contexts. This has led to positive feedback and impacts on their learning.

I very much appreciate that they provide guidance as to how to respectfully and most correctly address and include Australian Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.

Student feedback

There is need for the scientific world to give importance to and respect the knowledge of traditional cultures. I am in my fourth year, and it is the first time that a [subject] has told me about the importance of considering Indigenous traditions since they can have other equally effective methods and can really contribute to our planet’s future.

Student feedback

It got me thinking in different ways and helped me look at situations through different perspectives, allowing me to further understand the topic and grow my interest in sustainability and helping our Earth. I also found learning about the importance of Aboriginal contribution in science really impactful and I will not forget a lot of what I learnt in this subject.

Student feedback

Indigenous connections for scientific outcomes

Being a scientist or science graduate in our current world means working in a world with many cultural perspectives and knowledge systems. Our responsibility as educators is to ensure our science students and scientists in training develop an understanding of how science and Indigenous Knowledge systems work together to address scientific and global issues.

This understanding of the role of knowledge-based relationships between Indigenous and discipline knowledges begins in first-year science. By developing respectful and ethical communication and engagement with Indigenous organisations and communities, we can achieve scientific outcomes for all Australians. 

References

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2023). AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 35-115. doi: 10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647

Lindsay, M., Beames, L., Yawuru Country Managers, Nyul Nyul Rangers, & Bardi Jawi Rangers. (2022). Integrating scientific and Aboriginal knowledge, practice and priorities to conserve an endangered rainforest ecosystem in the Kimberley region, northern Australia. Ecological Management & Restoration, 23, 93-104. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12535

TEDx Talks. (2019, July 16). Albert Wiggan: The case to recognise Indigenous knowledge as science [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5QON5l6zy8

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