Indigenous Plant Use & the Urban Environment: talking with Zena Cumpston

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Chris talks with Zena Cumpston about the interconnection of life and place, the in/visibility of Aboriginal peoples in urban landscapes, and the complexity of using Indigenous knowledges to addresses ecological crises. Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman who is passionate about all aspects of representation in relation to First Peoples. She currently works as a Research Fellow in Urban Environments at the Clean Air Urban Landscapes Hub at the University of Melbourne, working across several projects related to Aboriginal History, sustainability, ecology and biodiversity. Zena was lead researcher, co- producer and co-designer of The Living Pavilion installation at the University of Melbourne which featured 40,000 Kulin Nation plants foregrounding Indigenous knowledge, ecological science and sustainable design through participatory arts practice. ReferencesIndigenous Plant Use bookletFood, tools and medicine: 5 native plants that illuminate deep Aboriginal knowledgeTo address the ecological crisis, Aboriginal peoples must be restored as custodians of CountryArtwork & MusicBlack Kurrajong Luis Fernández García (modified by C. Mayes)Music by City Plaza - Dan BodanUndisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health. Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]