President’s Update, June

 

Reconciliation Week 2020 started with the destruction of two 46,000-year-old Aboriginal cultural sites in the Pilbara by Rio Tinto.  The killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis last week and the pain and anguish of so many protesters in the US was another call for Australians to take a long look at our own history, and the lasting impacts for First Nations people here.

So much hurt and pain and anger. What to do? Where to start? Pause, reflect and start by doing what we know are some of the key principles of good science communication; start by listening. Learning. There are some great lists of suggestions of books to read and social media accounts to follow out there for where you can start.

Support those in local communities already taking action. The following are some of the First Nations led organisations that I have donated to.  I would welcome recommendations from ASC members as to who we can add to this list.  This list reflects organisations relevant to science communicators with a particular focus on equity and excellence in STEM, and action on climate and sustainability.

Deadly Science – led by the incredible Corey Tutt, this organisation provides science books and early reading material to remote schools across Australia.
Seed – Australia’s first Indigenous youth ­led climate network.
INDIGI LAB – whose mission is to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are leading in science, technology and digital innovation.
Firesticks Alliance – providing Indigenous leadership, advocacy and action to protect country through cultural fire and land management practices.

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