Ms Madonna Thomson

Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge Holder and Practitioner

Madonna Thomson is a member of the Jagera People and is a grand niece of the late Senator Neville Bonner. Madonna has worked with the Aboriginal Communities in South East Queensland with a particular focus on developing and sharing traditional knowledge about management of the State’s natural resources and environment.

Madonna is Chair of the QAAFI Indigenous Enterprises Group, Chair and co-founder of the BushTukka and Botanical Indigenous Enterprise Co-operative, Director of Nyanda Life Limited, and Director and Owner of Jagera Daran Pty Ltd.

Madonna has worked extensively in native title, cultural heritage and natural resource management and has presented at numerous international, national and state conferences on these topics. Madonna is adept at the negotiation of Indigenous Land Use Agreements and Cultural Heritage Management Plans/Agreements. Madonna creates and builds corporate and governance models, facilitates organisational capacity building and advises on accountability and business management.

ABSTRACT

Learnings from Australian Indigenous Projects

Indigenous food projects in Australia offer valuable insights into sustainable food systems. By revitalizing traditional Aboriginal food practices and incorporating native plant-based foods, these projects address critical issues like climate change, obesity, and undernutrition. They highlight the nutritional and health benefits of native foods, such as antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, while also promoting cultural identity and connection to the land. Environmentally, native foods demonstrate stress tolerance and ecosystem benefits. Economically, they provide income sources for remote communities and potential market opportunities. These projects underscore the importance of Indigenous knowledge and self-determination in creating sustainable and resilient food systems. Reference will be made to useful learnings for researchers working in less developed neighbouring countries.