WEBINAR | First Nations Ecological Knowledge and Cultural Responsibility

This webinar will explore the deep-rooted connection between First Nations peoples and Country, focusing on the ecological knowledge and cultural responsibilities. Presented by Palawa woman Aunty Brenda McDermott and Gunnai Kurnai Croajingalong man Uncle David ‘Buzzy’ Hewat, the webinar aims to raise awareness about the principles and practices that will underpin First Nations land management.

Through personal insights and lived experience, the presenters will articulate what caring for Country means from a cultural, spiritual, and ecological standpoint. They will share how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is not only a means of sustaining biodiversity, but a sacred duty grounded in kinship, reciprocity, and ongoing custodianship. The session will also shed light on the barriers that First Nations people often encounter when attempting to apply TEK in contemporary land and fire management contexts — including institutional resistance, legal constraints, and insufficient recognition of First Nations cultural knowledge and authority.

This webinar will invite participants to listen deeply, challenge conventional frameworks, and consider how collaborative approaches can honour and integrate cultural obligations into forest and environmental stewardship. It will offer a powerful opportunity to reflect on how science and culture can work together to care for Country.

Date: Thursday 8 May | Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEST)
RFP CPD Points: 1.00

Everyone who registers:

• Receives a link and joining instructions 24 hours before the webinar commences
• Receives a recording of the webinar – so if you can’t listen live, you can listen later

Forestry Australia Member: $10 | Non-Member: $60 | Student members: Free
Registrations close: 10am, Tuesday 6 May

Aunty Brenda McDermott

Aboriginal Cultural Advisor & Director of Education
MSW(Qualifying) (Monash), EMPA (ANZSOG) (UniMelb), MEd (Monash
Healthy Forests Foundation

Aunty Brenda is a Palawa woman with many years of experience working with First Nations communities across Australia in economic development, justice and health programs. She has a strong spiritual connection with Country and is passionate about guiding young people in cultural practices to care for Country for generations to come.

Her work with the Healthy Forests Foundation focuses on bringing First Nations perspectives to the restoration and sustainability of our biodiverse forests for future generations.

Uncle David ‘Buzzy’ Hewat

Elder and cultural knowledge holder

Uncle David ‘Buzzy’ Hewat is a Gunnai Kurnai Croajingalong man living on his Country in the Deddick Valley. He has vast experience in private enterprise and is known for his work in Aboriginal health as one of the founding members of the Moogji Aboriginal Council, where he served as a board member for eight years.

Uncle Buzzy’s deep cultural connection to his Country stems from millennia of ancestors who walked the land before him. He applies traditional ecological knowledge and land management practices to care for his Country. While doing this he is passing on his cultural and land management knowledge to his children and grandchildren.