Northern Institute
Healing From Country For Country Through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
| Presenter | Sharna Motlap | |
|---|---|---|
| Date/Time |
to
|
|
| Contact person |
Northern Institute
|
|
| Location |
Room 4.16, Level 4, CDU Danala Education and Community Precinct, 54 Cavenagh Street, Darwin. |
|
| Open to | Public | |
About the seminar:
Join Indigenous researchers and Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu philosopher for a powerful seminar exploring how Indigenous art and knowledge guide climate healing and action. This presentation shares a two phase research journey that centres Indigenous art voices as tools for communication, cultural renewal, and resilience in the face of climate change.
Through artworks, workshops, and exhibition-making, the research reveals Indigenous perspectives on climate impacts to Country. These insights are then woven into a co designed Community Resilience Plan, supporting culturally grounded approaches to climate preparedness, mitigation, and adaptation across Indigenous and Western systems.
Grounded in the Wurrkama and Mirrwana Philosophy, this seminar demonstrates how Indigenous Knowledges—when respectfully prepared and woven alongside Western science—become nourishing, meaningful, and actionable. The presentation offers a practical and philosophical pathway for embedding Indigenous leadership in climate engagement strategies.
About the presenter:
Research Fellow Sharna Motlap is a proud Indigenous woman from the Mbabaram tribe of Queensland and Keriri Island of the Torres Strait. Currently based at the Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Ms. Motlap is a nutritionist and public health researcher specializing in the intersection of food security, climate change, and Indigenous well-being. An Early Career Researcher (ECR) and researcher for the Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Network, she is currently completing a Master of Public Health/Master of Health Research. Her Scholarly Excellence is evidenced by over 20 prestigious awards—including the New Colombo Plan Scholarship, Indigenous Allied Health Academic Achievement Award.
Ms. Motlap holds leadership and governance roles that shape the future of public health and Indigenous representation. She serves as the National Co-Chair of the Early Career Academics Committee for the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australia (CAPHIA) and is a member of the HEAL EMCR Steering Committee.
Registration for the event:
In-person: RSVP here
Please RSVP here to attend in person—limited seating.
Online registration: Register here
Once you register, you will receive an individual link from Zoom no-reply@zoom.us
Getting there:
Room 4.16, Level 4,
CDU Danala Education and Community Precinct,
54 Cavenaugh Street,
Darwin.
Related Events
Thesis Talk
Thesis Talk is a facilitated academic discussion for HDR candidates to connect to and through ideas with research peers. Join the monthly online session to explore different topics, theories and practicalities. Talk through the nitty-gritty of research practices and reflect on your work.
Read more about Thesis Talk
'Climate Impacts on Country' Pop-Up Indigenous Art Exhibition
This powerful exhibition celebrates Indigenous culture by showcasing stunning artworks that explore the deep connections between climate, healing, and Country. Including a panel session with the Indigenous artists and researchers involved.
Read more about 'Climate Impacts on Country' Pop-Up Indigenous Art Exhibition
'They couldn't break me': Don McLeod, champion for Aboriginal justice in the Pilbara
Northern Institute of Charles Darwin University, in collaboration with Library and Archives Northern Territory, invites you to an insightful seminar. Join us as we explore the life of Don McLeod, an Australian Hero and champion for Aboriginal Australians' rights in the Pilbara.
Read more about 'They couldn't break me': Don McLeod, champion for Aboriginal justice in the Pilbara