BRUCE PASCOE; PERENNIAL SOIL

November 23rd 2020

Bruce Pascoe delivered a lecture on Indigenous farming and land management. The 'Dark Emu' author is also joined in a conversation with agricultural scientist Dr Angela Pattison. 

It has never been more important to be sharing Indigenous knowledge. So many solutions to the problems we face today can be found in that wisdom.

It is impossible to overestimate the powerful contribution of Bruce Pascoe's work, in particular the seminal Dark Emu, which has inspired a number of projects here at the University, including the Indigenous Grasslands for Grain project.

The detail and grace in Pascoe's research and writing has unlocked important conversations and reawakened knowledge. In this public lecture, Uncle Pascoe shared insights into sustainable farming and practices, with a keynote address on the idea of 'Perennial Soil'. 

Pascoe is also joined by Dr Angela Pattison, plant breeder and agricultural scientist from the University of Sydney. Pattinson is the research lead for the Indigenous Grasslands for Grain, a cross-disciplinary project that aims to regenerate the Australian native system for the modern food environment. It is a concept that brings together cultural and scientific knowledge, regional and urban centres, and sustainability with economic viability.

Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) chaired the event.

The University of Sydney is pleased to be establishing an annual lecture on pre-colonial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, made possible by a donation from Ron Winch and the Winch family.