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Session U3: Living in urban country

1. Phillip Couch: Larrakia people are still here: contested presences in post-colonial Darwin

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Abstract

The thesis investigates how the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of Darwin, Australia are asserting their presence and identity in a post-colonial and post-Native Title context. Exclusionary geographies, informed by colonial discourses of urban place, traditional Aboriginal culture and western legal frameworks, present Larrakia people as being out of place on their country. This thesis explores how these dominant perceptions of Aboriginal culture reinforce a colonial gaze that maintains colonial power and perpetuates injustices towards Indigenous people. The thesis argues that these pre-eminent discourses must be challenged so that relationships between Aboriginal and settler culture can be reconceptualised. The thesis examines how tourism, art, economic development and a Ranger Program result in uncanny experiences for non-Larrakia as they are rendered both in place and out of place by the Larrakia presence. These uncanny experiences reveal geographies of co-existence and contribute to the decolonisation of Darwin as Larrakia people demonstrate that the city is a place of interaction, belonging and co-habitation.

Author bio

Philip recently graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours)/ Bachelor of Laws (Honours). The research for this paper was completed in 2007 under the supervision of the Department of Human Geography in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts. Philip has a strong interest in Indigenous rights, native title and environmental law.

2. Merata Kawharu: Maori representation in Governance: the new Auckland ‘Super City’

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Abstract

The National-led government of New Zealand has just recently passed the first of three laws to establish the new Auckland Super City governance structure. One in three New Zealanders will be affected. Multiple challenges and opportunities are afoot for all, including local tribal group Ngati Whatua o Orakei. A Royal Commission consulted the public and wrote a large report which, among other things recommended Maori seats. Now, there is discussion about abolishing Maori seats on the governing body and instead providing a voice for Maori at a ‘second tier’ level. This issue must rank among the greatest challenges for Maori. This paper explores the challenges for Ngati Whatua including their rationale for why local tribal representation should be recognised at the highest, council, level. The paper is built upon my direct involvement in the issue as a Ngati Whatua descendant. The particular challenges facing Ngati Whatua now are the same they have faced since signing the Treaty of Waitangi with the British Crown in 1840. These hinge on recognition of their place in this multi-cultural, multi-loci civic community, and acknowledgement of their role and responsibilities in the growth and development of Auckland. In Maori terms, these ideas may be encapsulated by the term mana whenua: authority of, and over, traditional lands. Implied in this term is not only the exercise of rights, but equally responsibilities, not least offering protection where relevant to those who may visit or live within the tribe’s traditional domain.

Author bio:

Merata Kawharu is Director of research, at the James Henare Maori Research Centre, University of Auckland. The Centre undertakes research on Maori development needs of tribal peoples living in Taitokerau, the northern tribal district of New Zealand. She has published on the Treaty of Waitangi, traditional knowledge, Maori resource management and World Heritage. Merata is a member of the NZ Historic Places Trust, the Maori Heritage Council and the NZ Rhodes Scholarship Committee.

3. Gary Pappin: Living in a contemporary world: off Country in another people’s land

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Abstract

This paper will look at the modern day cultural issues facing Aboriginal people who are trying to maintain their connection to country, but have recently moved to urban areas, and the challenges they face. As a Mutthi Mutthi Traditional Owner who has long been involved in the management of my country, particularly those lands which are part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, I am now resident in Canberra to undertake a University degree. While for many people the decision to leave ‘home’ and obtain a degree is unproblematic, this is not the case for those of us who must leave country to pursue a university education. Potential issues include: living amongst other people who view me as an outsider; retaining my birthright and cultural obligations to country while wanting to advance myself through better education; moving away from my family and friends; being viewed by some as abandoning my traditional links and obligations to country and family; navigating a knife edge between the needs of ‘community’ and personal need to acquire an education (and thus help the community); combating the feeling that you have left your country, and that, in so doing, your country may leave you; the decision to go back to country or not. These challenges are significant and are part of the complexities of supporting Aboriginal enrolment in Tertiary Education.

Author bio:

Gary J Pappin is a member of the Mutthi Mutthi nation and hails from Balranald in far Western NSW. Currently enroled as a student at the University of Canberra studying Cultural Heritage Management, he has worked for many years in World Heritage conservation, particularly on his Traditional country that forms part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. He has extensive experience in representing cultural heritage issues at a local, state and international level.