I am conducting research on Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems for
the Museum of Victoria, Australia.  The research will assist planning for
the current $250 million redevelopment of the museum, which is due to open
in its new building in 2000.

Within the broad framework of science and indigenous knowledge systems, I
am focussing on the potential cross-fertilisation between the natural
sciences division (zoology, geology, palaeontology) and indigenous studies
division (primarily the indigenous peoples of Australia, Papaua New Guinea
and the Pacific islands).  This will include areas such as ethnobiology,
comparison of Western and indigenous taxonomies, traditional ecological
knowledge, and biodiversity and intellectual property rights.

I have a question.  Does anyone have information on exhibitions and public
programs at other museums that address any of these subjects, or of people
with experience in the area?  The indigenous knowledge systems do not need
to be confined to Australasia and the Pacific.

Thank you.

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*  Richard Gillespie                *  Email: [log in to unmask]  *
*  Museum of Victoria               *                                 *
*  PO Box 666E, Melbourne           *  Ph:  (61 3) 9853 7236          *
*  Victoria 3001, Australia         *  Fax: (61 3) 9852 7112          *
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