Wetlands Australia National Wetlands Update February 2013
Issue No. 22, February 2013
ISSN 1446-4843
Ancient Science - an Indigenous perspective on wetland care
Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre, WA
Herdsman Lake is a major breeding site for waterbirds, especially black swans, in south-western Australia.
(Brian Furby)
The Western Australian Gould League (WAGL) manages the Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre (HLWC) within Herdsman Lake Regional Park, Wembley, Perth, Western Australia. WAGL's mission statement is to "Nurture a Passion for Nature" with approximately 10 000 students annually visiting the centre and wetlands on school excursions to participate in a range of hands-on environmental and Indigenous education learning experiences, including Ancient Science.
Ancient Science, an Unlocking Australia's Potential initiative, is supported by the Australian Government as part of the Inspiring Australia strategy. Ancient Science is where modern science meets ancient Aboriginal thinking. Primarily designed to unlock the potential of Aboriginal people to engage in science learning activities, Ancient Science also assists people working with Aboriginal communities. Participants take part in a unique range of hands-on biological and environmental science learning experiences on the banks of Herdsman Lake. Herdsman Lake is Perth's largest inner metropolitan wetland and serves as an important breeding ground for waterbirds with at least 20 species breeding there.
Input through Dreaming stories and cultural history lessons from local Aboriginal (Nyungar) Elders provide a bridge of common understanding between ancient and modern thinking, breaking down cultural barriers as participants reflect and workshop the modern and ancient ecological footprint. Aboriginal participants are empowered through the learning experience with an understanding that they have much value to contribute to environmental science and the sustainable growth of Western Australia's economy.
Roger Harris, Manager of HLWC, is an accomplished science communicator, having been awarded the Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Communication, and is the key presenter of the science learning experiences, in collaboration with the local Aboriginal (Nyungar) presenters. Roger shares his thoughts on environmental and sustainable education, which started from his childhood experiences growing up on a farm in the south-west of Western Australia.
"I grew up with a love for nature and many of my school friends were Nyungar, so I had some understanding of their cultural perspectives of the land."
"All humans have a natural love for nature, but its not until you experience it that it gets under your skin, its like osmosis, spend enough time soaking in the experience and you can't help but appreciate the beauty and feel the need to protect it."
The Australian Curriculum has identified Sustainability and Aboriginal Histories and Cultures as key cross-curricular priorities. Ancient Science addresses both priorities.
"You don't need to grow a tail and paint yourself blue like in the movie Avatar, but if you are going to be working in the area of environmental science, you do need to have an appreciation, affinity and shared understanding of the local Indigenous people to be successful in your field of work. Celebrate Boodga (Country) with them from the Koort (Heart) and watch doors open!"
