Respectfully incorporating Indigenous knowledges and ways of learning into secondary and higher education studies, while challenging, can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial for all involved. As a natural product and medicinal chemist at Macquarie University, Professor Joanne Jamie has collaborated with Aboriginal knowledge custodians for over 20 years. Together they have increased recognition of the importance of Aboriginal knowledges through co-authored publications and public events. As a best ethical practice extension to research with Yaegl Elders, Joanne established with the Elders, the National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP, nisep.org.au), which uses Western and Indigenous science and technology to enhance educational outcomes for Indigenous youth. Expanding on NISEP, Joanne has developed STEM activities having a deep connection to Country and Aboriginal knowledge systems. Joanne has also impactfully incorporated Indigenous knowledges into a range of science subjects at Macquarie University.
In this presentation, Joanne will reflect on the importance of Aboriginal knowledges, with a focus on medicinal plants, and her Macquarie-Yaegl partnership. She will also share examples of resources and practical learning opportunities that have stemmed from her various Indigenous collaborations, to enable schools to further embrace Indigenous knowledges in teaching, and to empower youth through chemistry and broader STEM disciplines.
Keynote delivered by Joanne Jamie at the STANSW Conference, June 2024