Indigenous engagement with science: towards deeper understandings
2013
Key findings
The Expert Working Group on Indigenous Engagement with Science recognises the
urgency of increasing the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples in the development and communication of sciences in Australia. An
important step in achieving this is understanding and valuing Indigenous knowledge
systems, acknowledging the significant contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples have already made to the development of science in Australia, and
sharing this within the Indigenous community as well as with the scientific and
broader Australian community.
In our preliminary scoping study of this area, the Expert Working Group agreed that
the interaction between Indigenous Australians, science and the broader science
community is lacking in many areas and from all sides. Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples have unique knowledge systems that can contribute to all fields of
scientific endeavour, including science-based activities such as the management of
Australia's natural resources. While it was evident to the Expert Working Group that
Indigenous knowledge systems have contributed significantly to research in Australia
in the past and continue to do so today, it was also evident that this contribution is not
always acknowledged or valued appropriately as a 'scientific' contribution. While
Indigenous knowledge systems contain a wealth of scientific information their
development is often poorly resourced in Indigenous communities as well as in the
wider community and the transfer of traditional knowledge and skills to future
generations is critically threatened.
The major issue of maintaining Indigenous knowledge systems is not simply an issue
of science engagement—it is an issue of national significance for all Australians. This
Expert Working Group would like to emphasise the need for large, ongoing and
systemic change to ensure the ongoing health of Indigenous knowledge systems.
While there was a degree of consultation and opportunity for public comment during
the process of developing this report, it was strongly agreed by the members of the
Expert Working Group that the interests of remote Indigenous communities would not
be met by attempting a full and broad consultation within the time and resources
available to the Group. Rather, it will be essential to undertake future, dedicated work
to ensure that traditional knowledge holders and language speakers are able to
participate in a meaningful way in augmenting and implementing the
recommendations of this report.
Urgent action is therefore required across a range of initiative areas. The Expert
Working Group considers these areas also present significant opportunities for
government and industry to engage with Indigenous people in a way that will
maximise the potential for increased productivity across a wide range of scientific
activity. The most challenging recommendations refer to the urgent need to conserve
and prevent further loss of Indigenous knowledge. Critical enabling actions will
require urgent application of resources to: protecting Indigenous languages;
recognition of knowledge holders by tertiary education institutions and industries;
facilitating knowledge and skill sharing between researchers and communities; and providing opportunities for Indigenous knowledge to generate economic benefit for
Indigenous communities while protecting Indigenous cultural interests.
The Expert Working Group has made 12 recommendations to strengthen Indigenous
engagement in science. To be successful, the changes and actions recommended
will need to be owned by both Indigenous communities and the broader scientific
communities.
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