Released in 2019, Dr Tyson Yunkaporta’s book, Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, explores the connected methodologies of Indigenous thinking and how its application could help us develop new approaches to addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Today, as a senior lecturer, Dr Yunkaporta is leading the development of an Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Systems Lab. Working as part of Deakin’s National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation Institute (NIKERI), and across the University, the lab seeks to connect with communities to create a place where Indigenous Knowledge, leadership and processes can be applied to a plethora of complex issues that scientists and technologists are grappling with across economics, design, cybernetics, governance, environment, cognition and more.
'A lot of complexity theory and systems thinking is beginning to inform the way we meet these challenges around the globe,' Tyson says. 'I think that presents a unique opportunity for our Indigenous communities and practitioners of ancient, complex thinking to really be able to make a massive contribution to this change.'
'For example, in addressing climate change, should we think beyond limiting emissions and address the biological feedback loops that will continue to escalate global warming even at zero carbon output? Indigenous Knowledge systems that understand the complexities of these loops may be most effective at proposing the right interventions to disrupt them.'
'And what if traditional Indigenous models of mapping the potential spread of fires, diseases and even gossip were applied to everything from emergency responses, to better models of communication around political issues… in ways that could last forever?
Tyson’s work – and the development of the IK Systems Lab – has been catalysed by a significant donation from Kearney Group. After Group CEO, Paul Kearney, read Sand Talk he struck up a relationship with Tyson. The discussions grew into a gift from the Group that is helping to fast-track the development of the IK Systems Lab into something powerful, lasting and far-reaching.
‘I felt I couldn’t just sit back and wait for the research to take shape, when we could help bring this to life.’
Paul Kearney
'The complex issues Tyson and the lab hope to delve into are both extremely important and urgent,' says Paul. 'I hope the lab becomes a hotbed of wisdoms and knowledge that helps us tackle the many interconnected challenges that are before us now.'
Working across disciplines with Deakin research leaders who are adept at employing systems thinking to solve complex challenges, and in meaningful partnership with communities across Australia, it’s our hope that the IK Systems Lab will soon be engaging with and making an important contribution to some of the ‘wicked problems’ and complex challenges of our wider world.
Why the Indigenous Knowledges Systems Lab matters
Learn why Deakin’s Indigenous Knowledges Systems Lab is a step towards discovering and developing global solutions.
Interested in finding out more?
Deakin’s Indigenous Knowledges Systems Lab is a space where Indigenous practitioners can apply their thinking and systems to different contexts around the world.