BCARM/BGEN Webinar

Partnering with Indigenous Communities in Botanic Gardens and Arboreta

Botanic gardens are uniquely positioned to connect people, plants and place - but the most meaningful stories often come from deep, long-held relationships with the land.

This webinar explores how botanic gardens and arboreta can work in genuine partnership with Indigenous communities/First Nations to develop interpretation, share knowledge, and shape living collections. Bringing together perspectives on traditional knowledge, public engagement and plant stewardship, this session will highlight collaborative approaches that respect cultural values while enriching visitor experiences.

Speakers will share insights into co-designing interpretation, and creating spaces where Indigenous voices are visible and valued.

Our speakers will include

• Cathy Olive from Euroa Arboretum talking about working with Taungurung elders locally on both gathering, ceremonial space and a series of signs

• Doug McDougall from Olive Pink Botanic Garden talking about garden signage with Arrernte locals

• Hayley Smithers Kirk from Botanic gardens of Sydney talking about interpretative story that has been renewed after 26 years on the Cadi Jam Ora Garden precinct