The inaugural National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine, in collaboration with The Australian National University and sponsored by the Jacka Foundation for Natural Therapies, sparked meaningful discussions on the safeguarding of Indigenous knowledge and Australia’s role in advancing its integration into future healthcare.
With 150 attendees over two engaging days, the Symposium created a dynamic platform for in-depth dialogue, exploring the challenges and opportunities in the use of Indigenous medicine.
“The inaugural National Traditional Medicine Symposium achieved amazing feedback from those who presented and those who attended. It was clear to see the genuine interest in elevating the rights and interests of traditional knowledge holders and Indigenous Peoples. I truly look forward to collaborating on future opportunities.” – Dr Virginia Marshall, ARC Research Fellow, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University
First Nations peoples, policymakers, regulators, and researchers came together to debate, collaborate, and shape the future of Australian Traditional Medicine, exploring topics covering regulation of traditional medicine products, barriers and pathways in developing Indigenous traditional medicines, functional ingredients from Australian native plants, enduring biopiracy concerns and more.
“The panel discussions, along with rich topics presented in well-organized sessions, were truly eye-opening.” – Symposium attendee
NSATM Program 2024
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The Jacka Foundation
‘Those Who Came Before Us’
Early last year, Western Sydney University’s Executive team, together with a group of academics and professional staff, participated in a full-day cultural exchange workshop to enhance their understanding of Country and culture.
This was co-facilitated by Allan McKenzie – a proud Wiradjuri Gamilaroi man from Griffith NSW. Allan has painted for over 29 years and promotes Aboriginal culture through optical storytelling, song, and dance. Since then, Allan has facilitated a number of workshops where over 120 individuals, including Western Sydney University staff and students, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, contributed to the painting and engaged in Aboriginal cultural learning.
This artwork provided all the opportunity to yarn and learn. The painting is incredibly detailed and hangs at nearly two and a half metres long by one metre wide. It is entitled ‘Those who came before us’ and is owned by none, yet owned by all, and is a great example of reconciliation in practice.
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