To celebrate Science Week running from August 12-20, Hobsons Bay council is hosting a book discussion session with Zena Cumpston.
Zena is the co-author of her book titled, Plants: Past, Present and Future,which explores in detail some of the many ways her Aboriginal community has utilised plants for foods, medicines and technologies over time.
“It champions Indigenous and non-Indigenous sciences, this book is part of the First Knowledge series which aims to bring Indigenous knowledge to a wider audience,” she said.
Zena will discuss historical perceptions of Indigenous knowledge of plants and how this is being recognised and utilised today – from regeneration projects to the ‘bush foods’ industry.
“The book really tells the stories of plants and the way they’ve been used over time by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“For medicines, for nutrition and for technologies.”
Zena will also discuss the importance of indigenous plants for biodiversity and the ways in which we can all play our part in keeping Country healthy.
“Mostly I am really passionate about helping people to understand the deeply layered complexity of our knowledge systems that have been around for thousands of years.
“Because I think that there’s a lack of understanding of our ways of working in reciprocity with country.”
Listeners will be able to catch Zena discuss her book on Wednesday, August 16 at the Altona Library.
