Two-Way Science

Ngaparrtji ngaparrtji - it’s about give and take.

It is the aspiration of the TMPAC Team that its managed areas of land become a hub for best-practice two-way science projects and training.

Given the convergence of scientific interest and Martu knowledge and interest in Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara , there is considerable scope to establish Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara as a major arid lands two-way learning hub where Martu and scientists work together to educate and train people in threatened species and land management practices.

The potential target audiences for this training and education include young local Martu rangers, other Indigenous and non-Indigenous land management groups and organisations, academics, universities and schools. Ngaparrtji ngaparrtji is about recognising the relationships that bind groups of people together. In practice, ngaparrtji ngaparrtji (two-way) science is an exchange of knowledge and a chance to learn based on mutual respect, responsibility and connectedness.

This collaborative approach is appropriate when there is recognition of the value that each group brings to a project, and when all groups involved have a shared interest in the project outcomes.

The Mantjiljarra Yulparirra Team have developed the Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji (two-way) Science Plan 2018-2023 as a starting point for developing sustainable projects that will empower Martu and provide them with genuine opportunities to lead. The Plan is not designed to detail all ngaparrtji ngaparrtji science opportunities or ideas. This plan first defines what Martu believe good ngaparrtji ngaparrtji science looks like, and then outlines four strategies to be implemented on-Country from 2018 to 2023.

These strategies are:

• On-ground projects to look after Country: Muntangalku (Bilby); Night Parrot; Golden Bandicoot; feral predators – cats and foxes; and waru (fire management),

• Working with researchers,

• Training opportunities,

• Partnering with the Wiluna School.