Weaving Indigenous knowledges into marine biology field research

We will engage with Wadawurrung people as part of a week-long field camp on their country. Using established relationships, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will welcome us onto Sea Country with a Smoking Ceremony and speak about the cultural importance of the area and their connection to sea country.

By creating a meaningful space for Indigenous Knowledges (McKinley 2020) during our field camp, we hope to address key goals presented in Advancing Melbourne 2030, including a committed relationship to Traditional Owners through activation of Indigenous knowledges within the academy and deepened engagement and reciprocal learning with Indigenous communities in Melbourne.

We will also meet with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative partners to discuss our research interests and gauge whether they would like to be involved in the future.