Through eight workshops, including bush food harvesting and youth cultural engagement activities, participants and students of all ages were able to explore traditional harvesting practices, learn about seasonal knowledge, native foods, storytelling, identity and the importance of caring for Country.
A key focus of the program has been intergenerational learning: creating opportunities for Elders (and Shannon) to share their knowledge, stories and cultural practices with younger generations.
Shannon teaches that traditional food systems are guided not by calendars, but by the signs of the natural environment: rainfall patterns, flowering plants, animal behaviour, and changes in temperature and humidity.
Participants discovered which foods are available throughout different seasons, why certain species need to be left undisturbed during breeding periods, and how sustainable harvesting helps food sources regenerate for future generations.
And, of course, there were opportunities to taste the bush food!
From green ants, Kakadu plums and rosella to lemon myrtle, rosella jam on damper, kangaroo and buffalo sausages, participants experienced a diverse range of native and traditional foods while learning about their cultural and environmental significance.
For Shannon, the program is about much more than bush foods. It’s about helping young people strengthen their cultural identity, develop pride in their heritage and understand their role in caring for Country.
As Shannon explains: “When kids understand that this knowledge belongs to them, it changes how they see themselves. They start to understand their role in looking after Country.”
The story continues…This program will also produce a short film series capturing stories and voices from Country, creating another opportunity to celebrate this knowledge and share it with the wider community.
We are looking forward to seeing the Aboriginal Community Harvest short film series and celebrating the stories and voices captured through the project.
Watch this space for details of the upcoming community film screening!