June 2022 AAEEACT Update-Viv Pearce OAM, Convenor 

Yuma ACT Environmental Educators, 

with freezing temperature, views of snow-capped mountains and winter viruses rampant, we are a hardy group of educators. 

Despite chilly temperatures 17 educators attended our Twilight networking event for Term 2, at the new, still to be officially opened Wildbark Education Centre (Mulligans Flat), followed by a Twilight Threatened Species Walk on June16. Thank you to our Executive members Andrew O'Meara (Education Co-coordinator Woodlands and Wetlands Trust) and Karon Campell (great food!) for making this special night happen. 

Brave and Making a Change: May 27-June 3 Reconciliation Week 

At our online June meeting, participants considered ‘What would our chapter and individuals do in the coming year to make a change, as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan. During the discussion we tapped into participants ideas and enthusiasm around reconciliation with our First nations people.

Firstly, we discussed what reconciliation looks like in Australia. We considered changing the wording in our Chapter’s Acknowledgement of Country. Canberra has claims to country which are still to be fully resolved. Should support for the Uluru Statement and Treaty be included? We decided more discussion and research was needed before an informed decision can be made. We talked about what links we already had with First Nation people and how we might increase our exchanges of ideas. 

The possibility of future walks on country and increasing our cultural awareness were also raised. We shared resources around cultural protocols, curriculum links, new website for Indigenous Science Network, Landcare videos with tips on how to create a Bush Food Garden, First Nation exhibitions at National Museum and National Art Gallery. Finally, NAIDOC Week July 3-10, with theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! was flagged. Hopefully we will be able to mark this week by sharing ideas and resources around reconciliation with our extended Environmental Education Network in the ACT.

Ranger Viv Pearce facilitating an Indigenous Plant Use Program at ANBG for local Conservation Council Board on their Annual Planning Meeting in Reconciliation Week

In early May Members attended Community Rally- Save Lawson Grasslands, to raise awareness of these special grasslands, and to ask Federal Election candidates how they will step up to protect them. Our local member NatureArt Lab facilitated artist and artwork for signs .