MinggaMingga Rangers Education Centre

The video documents a collaborative project between AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science) and Woppaburra Traditional Owners on Great Keppel Island during a coral spawning event. The project aims to improve coral reef restoration by studying early coral life stages and overcoming survival bottlenecks. Traditional custodians, particularly young people, are actively involved in collecting coral spawn and maintaining holding nets. The project represents a significant "two-way learning" opportunity, combining traditional knowledge with modern science. It's seen as both a healing process for the Woppaburra people through reconnection to country and a way to develop future employment opportunities in reef restoration. The initiative highlights the importance of incorporating traditional owner perspectives and knowledge in scientific research to find better solutions for reef conservation.

AIMS approached the Manbarra Elders Council with a fish monitoring project proposal, leading to a collaboration based on shared values about caring for country. The project involves co-designing research on Orpheus Island Research Station on Manbarra Sea Country. Traditional Owners shared historical knowledge about changes in marine life, noting how areas that were once plentiful with fish and marine life (including mangrove species like pippies) have declined significantly. The collaboration represents a shift from AIMS working independently to working under Traditional Owner guidance, helping kickstart the ranger program. The project includes using underwater camera stations (BRUVS) for monitoring, with an emphasis on combining scientific methods with traditional knowledge to better understand and monitor sea country health.

ATSIMS (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Marine Science) is an educational outreach program targeting First Nations high school students in Year 10, before they select their senior subjects. The program takes place on Orpheus Island, which is part of the Wukorukaba language group's sea country. The initiative aims to inspire students to pursue STEM subjects and marine science careers by giving them hands-on experience with marine environments. Activities include snorkeling, marine debris collection and analysis, and learning about reef ecosystems. The program is led by marine scientists and ambassadors from James Cook University and includes Traditional Owner involvement. A key focus is helping students develop both scientific knowledge and cultural connections to sea country. The video concludes with students participating in cultural activities and celebrating their connection to country through song.

The video captures Elders' perspectives on the importance of connecting to country in Indigenous education programs. They emphasize that while classroom learning is valuable, true understanding comes from being physically present on country, experiencing ceremonies like smoking ceremonies, and feeling the spiritual connection to land and sea. The Elders stress the uniqueness of different Aboriginal groups' totems and customs, noting how some groups have connections to both land and sea while others are inland people. They express concern about young people losing cultural connections and emphasize the importance of bringing them back to country to understand their law. The Elders encourage young people to pursue their goals while maintaining strong connections to their cultural heritage, respecting Elders, and remembering where they come from.