In the wake of the defeat of the Indigenous Voice referendum, Indigenous leaders emerged from a week of mourning to urge Australians to listen to Indigenous voices on the work ahead for justice and rights.
Science & Technology Australia honours this call. We re-dedicate ourselves and our community to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in STEM to advance the cause of repair, respect and recognition.
We renew STA’s longstanding commitment to support, amplify, and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in STEM – and highlight the inspiring Indigenous STEM knowledges of this country.
It can be a source of deep pride and inspiration for every Australian that the songlines of this continent are sophisticated scientific knowledge systems.
These knowledge systems are libraries of deep expertise in managing the complex and delicate ecology of the landscapes and water systems, skilled curation of landscapes and habitats, and reflect a deep understanding of the complex inter-relationships between people, plants, animals and environment.
We invite our STA membership community to join us in highlighting these crucial knowledge systems and supporting Indigenous people and organisations in STEM in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Show your support for STA’s Indigenous member organisations:
STA is constantly inspired by the work of our Indigenous member organisations – who are changing lives and creating opportunities through their remarkable leadership.
The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) is powerfully transforming mathematics education in Australia. ATSIMA teaches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to mathematics in a way that sets them up for success. The brilliant ATSIMA Chair Professor Chris Matthews, a proud Quandamooka man of Minjerribah, is also a board member of STA. You can help support the inspirational work of ATSIMA by making a tax-deductible donation.
DeadlyScience, led by the inspiring Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt OAM, fosters STEM literacy and participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities across Australia. They are building the next generations of Deadly Scientists by providing STEM resources and programs to regional and remote schools. You can make a tax-deductible donation to DeadlyScience to help cover the costs involved with sending science resources to schools all over Australia. You can also register to deliver a Deadly Learner session to do an online outreach session to meet scientists – as many of STA’s Superstars of STEM have done this year.
Indigenous Climate Change (ICC) is a brilliant group of Indigenous environmental scientists committed to sharing climate adaptation knowledge and strategies for Indigenous communities. Environmental scientist Toni Hay from the Gaamilaraay Nation, who grew up on Yolngu homelands, founded and leads ICC. If you are keen to partner with ICC, send them a message to connect.
Connect with broader Indigenous organisations and businesses:
Early literacy is crucial for all children. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a charity that ensures remote communities across Australia have access to quality resources and support through their three programs, Book Supply, Book Buzz and Community Publishing. These programs include books in First Languages, publishing Community Stories and supporting communities to lead the process to ensure leadership, authenticity and ownership is retained with their Elders and residents. Support ILF by donating to ensure Indigenous kids have access to books and books in First Languages.
Change the Record – a coalition of First Nations legal, health and family violence prevention experts – is determined to close the gap in the rate of imprisonment by 2040 and cut the disproportionate rates of violence to at least close the gap by 2040 with priority strategies for women and children. Change the Record works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to invest in early intervention, prevention, and diversion strategies to address the root causes of violence against women and children, cut reoffending and imprisonment rates, and build stronger communities. Get involved and donate to help build stronger and safer communities through evidence-based and cost-effective solutions.
Supply Nation – Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous-owned businesses – helps connect you with Indigenous businesses across a broad range of sectors. Supplier diversity has significant and measurable long-term business benefits – the data clearly indicates that diverse supply chains are more sustainable, flexible and innovative. Use your buying power to help support the greatest possible social good. Connect with Indigenous businesses through Supply Nation.
