Children and young people learning about climate change through local spaces and Indigenous knowledges: The Dawkins Park Project, NSW, Australia

Climate change can be polarising regardless of its framing. Nevertheless, its science cannot be ignored with regard to Earth's ecological imbalance and the fragility of its critical zone. Accordingly, Australian school curricula during the last decade have increasingly emphasized teaching and learning in climate change education and sustainability. The key aims of the Dawkins Park project were firstly, to establish an Indigenous cultural and educational precinct for local schools and community, and secondly, to increase student involvement in ecological biodiversity issues related to climate change. We found that through participating in local site visits accompanied by cultural storytelling from Gumbaynggirr knowledge holders, student and teacher confidence, knowledge and engagement with learning about climate change was significantly strengthened.