Conversations: ethical research of Australian native foods and engagement with Indigenous communities

Join us at the Museum for a special seminar with Indigenous Cultural Integrity and Governance Specialist Madonna Thomson, in conjunction with the current exhibition Anthropocene: Linking past and present to shape a better future, at UQ Anthropology Museum.

Madonna has worked extensively in native title, cultural heritage and natural resource management. The seminar presents an opportunity to discover more about regional engagement frameworks and ongoing cultural work by First Nations People towards responsible environmental stewardship programs, and the commercial and economic benefits to sustainable land management practices, which build upon and champion First Nations led and owned businesses.

12.00 – 1.00pm at the UQ Anthropology Museum 

Madonna Thomson is a member of the Jagera People and is a grandniece of the late Senator Neville Bonner. Madonna has worked with Aboriginal Communities in South East Queensland with a particular focus on developing and sharing traditional knowledge about management of the State’s natural resources and environment. She has worked extensively for more than 20 years in native title, cultural heritage and natural resource management.

Madonna was instrumental in developing a regional engagement framework, in consultation with the Traditional Owner groups of south-east Queensland. The engagement framework guided government and community engagement with Traditional Owner groups for seven years, creating a more effective process and mechanism for meaningful engagement, based on community principles.

She is also the chair of the University of Queensland Indigenous Enterprise Group (the IEG is comprised of Indigenous native food business across Australia) & Bush Tukka & Botanicals Indigenous Enterprise Co-operative (BBIEC). Madonna works with scientists and PhD students research in the ethical research of Australian native foods and engagement with Indigenous communities.

Image credits:

Madonna Thomson speaking at the launch of Anthropocene: Linking past and present to shape a better future, UQ Anthropology Museum 2022. Photo: Mick Richards

Madonna and visitors during a Nyanda Cultural Tour, Brisbane. Courtesy M. Thomson
Cultural heritage workers carrying out archaeological research, Brisbane. Courtesy M. Thomson