Growing the future: ways forward, together

In Australia we all live on stolen, unceded lands. This groundbreaking new course teaches us how to tread more softly and respectfully.

Many thanks to my delightful permaculture teacher and friend Kerrie Anderson from Synergy Permaculture Australia for bringing it to my attention.

Image by Lexi Abel (Wiradjuri)

From the course information online:

“What is Growing on Country?

“Growing on Country is a course for anyone in any field (from permaculture, regenerative agriculture, syntropics, horticulture, nursery work, landscape design, community gardens to backyard pottering), who wants to be an ally when growing, gardening or engaging with Indigenous plants, people and communities on unceded land. Specifically, it is for those wanting to explore how to effect social as well as environmental justice through growing and gardening. The course will support you to be informed, respectful, equitable, culturally safe and inclusive in your relationship with people and with Country.

“Growing on Country has been written, designed and developed by a team of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with contributions and feedback from Elders, knowledge holders, researchers and community members.

“The five module course is not just about theory. It includes interviews, current critical research, case studies, links to readings and resources, inquiry questions, and provocations for applying information within individual learning, teaching and growing contexts. This emphasis on practical application empowers learners to make a real difference in their own communities. The self-paced course is accessible for one year from the purchase date. At the end of the course, learners will receive a certificate of completion.”

“Course Outcomes

“At the end of Growing on Country learners will be able to:

• Understand the history and ongoing realities of agriculture in relation to Indigenous people and Country in Australia.
• Understand the interconnectedness of Country, culture and social and emotional well-being for Indigenous people.
• Locate harmful colonial logics and power dynamics in various aspects of work and life, and consider practical ways to interrupt or address them.
• Understand food sovereignty from an Indigenous perspective, and the importance of working appropriately with native plants and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
• Develop a general awareness of cultural protocols and safety to build more reciprocal and respectful relationships with Indigenous people and Country within individual contexts.
• Understand and apply the skills and capacities required for working, living and growing on unceded land and waters in Australia.

Please visit and enrol at https://yuruwan.teachable.com/