Mapping Milestones: Tradition and Technology - Training the Next Generation of Tech Warriors
From September 2nd to 6th, 2024, the Winyama team hosted over 100 learners from across Australia at our fourth National Indigenous Mapping Workshop (IMW). The event took place in Boorloo (Perth) at Curtin University, providing over 80 hours of free technical training.
Our largest event yet, this year's IMW saw participation from over 20 organisations, all contributing to the development and delivery of the workshop content. Over the five-day event, participants received specialised training from industry professionals and Indigenous experts working within the Indigenous land estate and data sovereignty.
This workshop also marked a significant milestone with the launch of a new partnership between Winyama and Curtin University, introducing the Microcredential in GIS Mapping Skills for First Nation Land Management. Participants in the Microcredential Stream achieved a significant milestone toward higher education in Indigenous Land Management.
The credential, offered by Curtin University, supports Winyama’s IMW Australia program graduates to earn university credit and pursue further education and career development opportunities.
Beyond the credential launch, our learners expanded their mapping knowledge with the development of our new intermediate sessions and established connections with Indigenous organisations committed to embracing digital transformation with maps.
The National IMW in Boorloo provided attendees with professional development, cultural safety, and empowerment, particularly in light of last year’s Referendum results. Attendees left inspired by the evolving technological tools and equipped with skills to share their stories and keep their cultural heritage alive.
“IMW is the best thing to happen for a long time. You’ve done more than light a fire! Not just for individuals, but for our communities, and I’m so excited for this next chapter now”
Workshop Week Summary
The National IMW 2024 began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony in Noongar language on Whadjuk Country, performed by Uncle Len Collard. Uncle Len, one of our esteemed trainers on mapping for language and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Western Australia, set the stage for our collaboration and respect for tradition and culture, warming everyone with beautiful words and a safe spirit.
We were fortunate to hear from our keynote speaker, Rachel Perkins, an Arrente and Kalkadoon woman, and Executive Director of Cultural Heritage at the National Native Title Council and First Nations Heritage Protections Alliance. Rachel inspired our audience by highlighting the 60,000 years of culture and resilience of Mob across Australia and their role in technology as tech warriors.
“I’ve never felt so empowered, this is the best week of my whole year!”
Our energised participants chose from over 40 training sessions throughout the week, covering topics like Earth Observation, Photogrammetry with Drones, Place Naming Projects, and Mapping Principles, with contributions from partners such as NASA, NGIS, Google, Aerometrex, and more.
After an informative four days of training, learners had the opportunity to attend our final Yarning Day to discuss their community projects in depth with our expert trainers and training assistants, gaining valuable free consultation on their initiatives. Other tech champions prepared for their upcoming Microcredential assessments.
We concluded the workshop as we began, integrating tradition and technology. Participants split into two groups, experiencing an intimate viewing of Curtin University’s HIVE, which featured data visualisations from the Anindilyakwa Land Council, showcasing photogrammetry projects on Groote Island to preserve cultural heritage. Meanwhile, others explored the John Curtin Art Gallery Carrolup Centre, hosted by Kathleen Toomath, showcasing a unique collection of artworks by Aboriginal children from the Stolen Generations in the 1940s.
A Sundowner Turned Into A Raincatcher
Our efforts to celebrate the National IMW with a Djilba (Noongar season) Spring Networking Sundowner faced a challenge with thunderstorms on Wednesday evening. Undeterred, our logistics team adapted to ensure attendees could unwind after days of technical training.
When the rain persisted, we moved the Sundowner indoors for a cosy dinner event featuring heartwarming performances by Bigarrda Aboriginal Dancers and Didgeridoo performers. Attendees enjoyed delicious desserts from All Good Grub and were entertained by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, who kept Noongar language and culture alive with their incredible melodies and guitar performances.
The National IMW is part of Winyama’s broader digital empowerment programs, the Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia program and the Indigenous Digital Inclusion Pathway Program, which offers geospatial internships to Indigenous Australians.
The Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia program offers Indigenous organisations the opportunity to host our team and provide specialised training on technical mapping software, empowering their staff with essential upskilling opportunities that may have been previously inaccessible.
IMW Australia hosts one National Indigenous Mapping Workshop annually, which is free for participants. These workshops can take various formats, including forums, conferences, or other events.
Alternatively, our Supported IMW Training is a Mob-led, paid training model ideal for organisations seeking more supported, in-person upskilling in Indigenous mapping technology. Based out of the Winyama office, or your preferred location within 2 hours of Perth CBD, our expert Indigenous Trainers can provide up to ten of your employees with a set and comprehensive 5-day training program on data collection and mapping software for your various community initiatives.
At an additional quoted cost, our Trainers are also able to travel and deliver On-Country Supported IMW Training in regional and remote areas across Australia.
If you are interested in partnering with Winyama or want to learn more about our sponsorship packages, we are eager to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.