About

As part of National Science Week we welcome you to an event coming up called WYANGALA. The First Nations science program will be mentored by Wiradjuri cultural holders with a focus on habitat, natural ecologies, land and riparian health. The program aims to deepen an understanding of the symbiosis between humans, natural events, and the environment, whilst highlighting the conservation of local ecosystems and habitat. Learn how to identify plants and medicines for cultural use with Aleshia Lonsdale, broaden your knowledge with Traditional fire management with Greg Ingram, view the night sky through Wiradjuri sky stories with Ian ‘Dougie’ Sutherland. Welcome to country - Aunty Esther Cutmore

Program

The program runs all day to early evening guided by First Nation scientists, arts-workers and knowledge holders through a series of field walks, presentations and interactive workshops

Welcome to country - 10.15am

Aunty Esther Cutmore

Speakers + Sessions

Session 1: Cultural plant uses and weaving - 10.30am-12.30pm

Aleshia Lonsdale - presentation, workshop and field walks

Aleshia Lonsdale is a Visual Artist, Arts Worker and Curator based in regional New South Wales (NSW). As a proud Wiradjuri woman from Mudgee in Central Western NSW, Lonsdale creates work using a variety of materials including natural and found objects which endeavour to give voice to First Nations peoples. She sees the arts not only a vehicle for intergenerational cultural transmission but also as a tool which allows the audience to view the world through a First Nations lens. With a strong grounding in Culture and Country her works are influenced by the past, present and future experiences of First Nations Peoples with a particular focus on social, cultural, political and environmental issues.

Lonsdale has over 20 years experience in the Arts and Culture sector and is actively engaged in various Aboriginal, Environmental and Arts Organisations both locally and across the region including the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance Inc (NSW), The CORRIDOR Project, Cementa Inc and the Three Rivers Regional Assembly. Lonsdale has experience in a number of roles including as an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer, Community Development Officer, Facilitator and has been employed at Arts OutWest since 2011 as the Aboriginal Arts Development Officer.

Lunch - 12.30 - 1.30pm

Session 2: Cultural fire management - 1.30pm -4.00pm

Greg Ingram - presentation, demonstration and field walks

Greg Ingram is a proud Wiradjuri man, currently working as the Senior Land Services Officer located in Orange NSW. In his role Greg advocates and protects natural environments and preserves cultural heritage for future generations. Greg will be facilitating a workshop on Cultural Fire Management at the CORRIDOR project delivered as talks, presentations and on-site field demonstrations.

Supported by Inspiring Australia + the CORRIDOR project

Dinner - 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Session 3: indigenous Astronomy - 6.00PM - 9.00PM

Ian ‘Dougie’ Sutherland - presentation and field walks

‘Ian Sutherland, also known as "Dougie" around the community, is a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay man living in Orange, NSW. Doug holds a vast knowledge of the night sky and is considered one of the few people who can read the maps and tell the stories of the night sky in Wiradjuri Country. This deep cultural knowledge was passed down to him from previous generations. Doug shares with us what the stars mean for Wiradjuri people, and how they would use the maps in the sky to follow the seasons, and times to hunt and gather’ words attribution - Common Ground First Nations.

This Inspiring Australia initiative is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week. Supported by: Inspiring Australia NSW, Arts Out West, Orange Local Land Services, The Corridor Project

Publications of event:

Mailchimp newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thecorridorproject/newsletter4-13868004

https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/wyangala/

https://events.humanitix.com/wyangala-national-science-week-2023

https://artsoutwest.org.au/events/wyangala-national-science-week/

https://events.visitcowra.com.au/event/76817554

https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/news/national-science-week-12-20-august

https://inspiringnsw.org.au/2023/07/28/from-armidale-to-wagga-wagga-for-2023-national-science-week-in-the-regions/

https://inspiringnsw.org.au/2023/08/03/get-the-family-along-to-a-day-of-science-fun-and-discovery-for-2023-national-science-week/

https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6333036/scientists-and-artists-collide-at-national-science-week/

https://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/media-releases/nsw-highlights-2023