Teaching Two-Ways with Termites
This 2 hour workshop provides resources to help teachers introduce Indigenous Ecological Knowledge into the Primary and Secondary Science curriculum.
The workshop uses termites as a theme to introduce and discuss Indigenous perspectives, specifically drawing on the new book Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country, co-authored by presenter, Dr. Gregory Crocetti
Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating book that takes readers inside the life of termites through Indigenous Knowledge, Western Science, storytelling and art.
Created as a collaboration between over 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous contributors (including Dr. Gregory Crocetti), the story and artworks explore how termites and their mounds connect different parts of Country, from tiny Gurindji babies and their loving grandmothers, to spiky spinifex grasses growing in the hot sun.
Written in traditional Gurindji, Gurindji Kriol and English (with a QR code linked to the audio), Tamarra is a truly original story with beautiful artwork that takes readers on an educational and cultural journey through Gurindji Country. *More about the book*
This workshop includes:
a reading of the book Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country, by co-author Dr. Gregory Crocetti
a Q&A session, exploring the Indigenous Ecological Knowledge & Western Science and main themes of the story (e.g. bush medicine, reciprocity)
resources to explore the rich cultural history of the Gurindji People
an introduction to other two-way science case studies around termites and spinifex grassland ecosystems
a reflection on Gregory’s experiences working with different First Peoples
**Copies of Tamarra are available for purchase with school visits or online through Hardie Grant Books
