NAIDOC: Combining cultural knowledge with STEM teaching can ‘break cycles’

In Darwin, young people learnt about STEM subjects through totem movements, dancing and storytelling to help encourage cultural pride.

The Mini Science on Country Fair was hosted by Dr Christine Fejo-King at Brown's Mart on Sunday, 6 July for NAIDOC week. Picture: Brown's Mart.

Brown’s Mart in Darwin was recently filled with children acting out totem movements, dancing, looking at the history of David Unaipon on the $50 note and discussing the importance of antlions.

And at the centre of it all, was proud Larrakia, Warumungu and Chinese woman, Dr Christine Fejo-King.

The driver behind the event, Mini Science on Country Fair, Dr Fejo-King wanted to create a space to help inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics by connecting them with cultural heritage.

Especially as many Indigenous children are disengaging from these subjects in school.

Dr Fejo-King said as a young person growing up, she was fortunate enough to be taught science by her father who was taught by his parents.

Dr Christine Fejo-King. Picture: supplied.

“That gave us a real understanding of who we were and how we fit it into the world,” she said.

“It gave us pride in our ancestors, that we don’t descend from a people who are lost or who are not able to think clearly.

“It said, ‘Yes, you can do this’ and really to give them hope.”

Dr Fejo-King said connecting kids with their culture in these areas can help them re-engage and change futures.

The event was held as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations which recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Picture: Brown's Mart.

“My passion is teaching our kids who they really are and that they are descended from scientists,” she said.

“Right now look at the number of our people that are in prison or are involved with alcohol and drug issues, and that’s not who we are.

“This is what our history and our ancestors did, and this is what you can become again.

“It teaches you the real value of who you are and then it can make a huge difference.

“It’s like breaking a cycle of violence, and that’s what this is about.”

Mini Science on Country Fair helping children be proud of who they are

The Mini Science on Country Fair was held on Sunday as part of celebrations for NAIDOC Week running from 6 July to 13 July.

Reflecting this year’s theme, The Next Generation: strength, vision and legacy, the fair was a pilot event to help Indigenous young people re-engage with STEM subjects.

Two sessions were held for young people aged seven to 16. Picture: Brown's Mart.

It followed after Dr Fejo-King was asked to develop five units of Aboriginal science for a school in Queanbeyan in 2011.

The teaching program was based on science within Aboriginal culture.

“They loved it,” Dr Fejo-King said.

“When I came home, I was still looking at ways we could help children because so many of our kids were disengaging from school.

“We need to be talking about things that are meaningful to young people and have actual application in their lives.”

Dr Christine Fejo-King said the event was a success and will be rolled out next year. Picture: Brown's Mart.

The fair, which was supported by Brown’s Mart “magnificent” staff and Larrakia Nation, was celebrated as a massive success and will be running again next year.

Each of the sessions, one for children aged seven to 11 and another for young people aged 12 to 16, included hands-on activities which combined traditional knowledge-sharing with music, dance and storytelling.

“The children had a wonderful time,” Dr Fejo-King said.

“They were having an absolute ball.

“They’re learning to be proud of who they are through science and that it’s actually a part of their ancestry.

“It’s encouraging them to follow in those footsteps.”