Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Perspectives from Australia’s First Astronomers

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Wednesday 4 December, 5:45pm – 9pm, Brisbane Planetarium

Delivery format: In Person

Event Description

This event offers ICRI delegates an opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledge systems. We will hear from Elders and astronomers who will share Indigenous perspectives on astronomy. The experience will highlight the richness of Indigenous scientific traditions and the importance of Indigenous science and engagement to contemporary scientific research, with a particular focus on research infrastructure.

The event will be hosted at the Brisbane Planetarium and includes:

  • Welcome to Country
  • Panel discussion on Indigenous astronomy
  • Viewing of Skylore – an exhibition featuring some of Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders sharing star knowledge
  • Planetarium screening of The Earth Above
  • Outdoor star gazing with telescopes (weather permitting)

Catering and transport is included in this event. A bus to and from the venue will be provided, leaving from the W hotel foyer at 5:45pm and arriving back by 9:30pm. The map below shows the departure location, as buses are unable to park directly in front of the W due to roadworks. ICRI volunteers will meet people on Level 1 of W Brisbane to assist with navigating to the buses.

Speakers

Professor Ghillar Michael Anderson is a Senior Law Man, Elder, and leader of the Euahlayi Nation from Goodooga, New South Wales. He is a Professor at the University of Southern Queensland whose academic work spans 50 years in law, astronomy, activism, land rights, and international relations. He is the only surviving co-founder of the 1972 Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Professor Ghillar was taught Euahlayi customs and traditions through his people’s sacred ceremonies and is a traditional astronomy expert, having published several academic papers on Aboriginal astronomy, and is a co-author of The First Astronomers. In 2021, a 2.7 km wide asteroid was named 10040 Ghillar by the International Astronomical Union in honour of his contributions to astronomy.

Dr Kirsten Banks is a passionate astrophysicist and Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology, working with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) to connect cutting-edge research with the public. Her love for the universe was sparked during a high school excursion to see a documentary about the Hubble Space Telescope. With a PhD in astrophysics and proud Wiradjuri heritage, Kirsten offers a unique perspective in her science communication. She captivates audiences worldwide with her infectious enthusiasm, sharing fun facts and leading workshops to inspire wonder in people of all ages.

For more information, contact Kate Barnard at kate.barnard@astronomyaustralia.org.au

If you are already attending ICRI, the link below will show you how to register via our event portal

Register via Brella