Indigenous knowledges recordings

Museums, universities and other institutions have collected many cultural artefacts that belong to Indigenous communities, including stone tools – the research focus of archaeologist and geochemist Dr Michelle Richard and Microtrace Archaeology Director, Dr Elspeth Hayes. Discover how the origins of these tools are often mysterious: how old are they and where do they come from, exactly? New, non-destructive analytical techniques can answer these questions, trace the technological developments of ancient cultures, and show how Indigenous peoples interacted with each other and with early settlers across Australia and the Pacific. Ultimately, this research reconnects communities with their precious cultural heritage.

To reduce the frequency and impact of bushfires, we need better understanding of their behaviour and how we can manage it. We can improve our understanding by studying wildfires, by conducting careful experiments, and by learning from Indigenous peoples who have long used fire to care for Country. Join two scientists exploring these approaches, live from the University’s Creswick campus – on Dja Dja Wurrung land – a centre for forest research since 1910 that now houses a world-class fire laboratory.

Over countless generations, First Nations Australians have sustained their peoples and cultures by linking deep knowledge of Country to careful observations of the sun, moon, constellations, and other dynamic features of the southern sky. Hear ancient stories and learn some sky-reading skills to build your understanding of space, navigation, seasonal phenomena, and Indigenous cultures. This session includes an overview of the Melbourne Indigenous STEM Education Program.

The 12,700-year-old painting of a kangaroo and the wasp nests that helped to date it. In this talk, Dr Helen Green will discuss the different scientific techniques being used to date Australia’s rock art and the importance of integrating traditional knowledges and western science.