Children’s Discovery partnered with Indigenous elders, artists and academics to co-create the Gurawul the Whale Spark! Discovery Box.

The ancient story of Gurawul was passed down to Yuin Elder Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison by his grandfather and uncles. He promised them he would travel south to Tasmania in search of the whale dreaming. In Gurawul the Whale, Uncle Max tells the story of his journey and uses science and story to demonstrate how the two knowledges can work together so more people can learn how to care for the whale and for Country.

The Gurawul Discovery Box contains the illustrated book, a whale, message stick, sand and shells, magnifying glass and guide. Children are introduced to the concept of ‘story’ and its relationship to Country and undertake activities that use science and story to observe and understand nature’s gifts.

Aboriginal story, observed from nature, provides a unique way in helping science to find similarities, connections and relationships in nature that instil respect and care for Country and each other. The box is designed to foster healing among individuals and between people and Country.

We thank our Gurawul Spark! Box co-creators: Uncle Max who wrote and shared the book, Jeremy who handcrafted the message sticks, Steve for the design, CAGES foundation and UOW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Unit.