Yaama Maliaya – Hello and Welcome to this online space I call my digital camp—a place for connection, learning, and community.
Weaving it all together!
I’m Rachel Shields, the heart and hands behind this journey. My story is woven through the threads of my Indigenous heritage, which comes from both my Grandmother and Mother’s side—my Wailwan roots run deep, and I also carry the Gamilaroi heritage from my Grandmother’s father. As a woman who follows the Matriarchal line of my kinship, my connection to my people and Country is incredibly sacred. On my mother’s side, I also carry Irish heritage, and on my father’s side, I have Scottish roots, but it’s my Indigenous heritage here in Australia that truly shapes my sense of self. I’ve been blessed to grow up knowing who I am and where I come from.
As a child, my Waabi (my mother’s mother) would lovingly call me “Nainiouman,” meaning “nanny’s woman.” This beautiful name carries a depth of meaning—it links me to my elders, to my ancestors, to my family, and to the land I call home. It’s a constant reminder of the timeless wisdom passed down through generations, wisdom that is as ancient as the Earth itself. This knowledge guides me, not only in how I live my life, but also in how I move through the world, constantly learning and growing.
I believe this wisdom isn’t just mine—it’s a shared gift, a thread in the intricate tapestry of those who have walked before me. It’s woven into the very fabric of Nature, an ever-present force that connects us all. Through Knowing In Nature, I strive to ignite this living wisdom within others, to create spaces where we can reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the land and waters that sustain us.
When I share through KIN—Knowing In Nature—I’m not doing it alone. I walk with others, and the “I” becomes “We.” It’s a continuous journey of learning, teaching, and growing together, as we share experiences and wisdom that deepen our understanding and foster a strong sense of belonging.
I invite you to explore this digital campsite, where we can connect, learn, and share together.
What is Knowing In Nature?
Knowing In Nature is built on the foundations of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. It’s a deep awareness of how individuals and communities can thrive when we live in harmony with each other and the natural world. Nature and humans are intrinsically connected, and health is enhanced when we work holistically and inclusively.
In essence, we need each other to thrive. We are all Indigenous to the Earth, and we all belong. It’s known that it takes a community to raise a child, it also takes all of us working together to care for Country and each other.
The Purpose and Foundation of KIN
Knowing In Nature was created as a space for sharing, healing, and connection through an Indigenous, or “original,” lens. It’s a place where you can engage with the natural world, respect the environment, and come together with others in a meaningful way. In today’s fast-paced digital world, we have become increasingly disconnected from what we interact with, losing touch with the living world around us. As we drift further out of sync with nature, it’s more important than ever to stay grounded and reconnect—by cultivating respectful relationships with people, the land, and all living beings. Our well-being depends on the health of the world we are part of, and through community and a renewed bond with nature, we can rediscover our true selves and find our way back to a balanced, harmonious life.
At the heart of our work is a holistic and relational approach that emphasises experiential learning and discovery. We believe that by releasing non-harmonious patterns of thought and behavior, we can reconnect to our innate wisdom, deepening our awareness and nurturing respect for life. Whether in the workplace, in friendships, or in Nature, we can develop relational intelligence by attuning ourselves to the spirit of life all around us.
We are committed to fostering social wellness, environmental care, and inclusive growth. Drawing on our profound connection to nature and heritage, we apply these timeless teachings in ways that are relevant and meaningful for today. Our goal is to inspire respect for the Land, ecological health, and healing in community.
At Knowing In Nature, we understand that we are part of a greater ecology—a system rich with opportunities for growth. The intelligence of life itself offers us the guidance we need, and through awareness, we recognize that the solutions to our challenges are already here. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we must care for what we have and reconnect to the wisdom that has always existed in nature and within ourselves.
We invite you to explore these teachings with us, and in doing so, nurture not just your personal growth, but a deeper connection to the world around you. Through collective healing and shared experiences, we can create a stronger, more sustainable community that respects and honors life in all its forms.
It’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and community-building that empowers individuals to live with greater authenticity and alignment to the natural world!
Actioning Natural Skills and Characteristics for the Greater Good
In the diverse areas I work within, I have found that a holistic and relational approach is the key to maintaining balance. Experiential learning and discovery are powerful tools that ignite awareness and deepen our connection to the environment. Whether in the workplace, with friends, or in Nature, we can cultivate relational intelligence by becoming attuned to the land, animals, plants, and the spirit of life in all things.
By unlearning old patterns, we can remember our inherent wisdom. This process is available to everyone. At Knowing In Nature, our intent is to inspire respect for life—whether for the Land, ecological health, or healing in community. Every person has the potential to grow both independently and as part of the broader environment.
At Knowing In Nature, we are committed to social wellness, environmental care, and inclusive growth. By drawing upon our deep connection to nature and heritage, we apply these timeless teachings in practical ways that are relevant for today.
Offering experiences that connect people to these teachings is invaluable, as they not only support individual growth but also expand into the community, fostering a stronger connection to the natural world.
Seeds carry the information for life to continue. Planting seeds is the first step toward future growth.
