Conference Papers
Session IT 2.1. IT and Cultural Transmission
1. Glen Stasiuk: Keepers of Our Stories: from the fireplace to the projector – message stick to the DVD
Storytelling is an integral part of life for Indigenous Australians. Before the arrival of Europeans and continuing after; gathered around the camp-fire in the evening stories were and are still shared; passed from one generation to the next. In modern times, in addition to a continuing oral tradition, another method of storytelling has risen from the ashes of the fire: filmmaking & multi-media production. This paper will examine the importance and crucial element of re-representation of images, archives or productions that have in the past, and in the majority, portrayed Indigenous cultures and communities in a derogatory or less than flattering manner. Further, it will explain the main factors for appropriate manifestation of Indigenous perspectives within any film production that is portraying or capturing Indigenous individuals, narratives and/or communities. The paper relates the key elements that must be in place to ensure appropriate and robust Indigenous agency in any film production. Finally the paper concludes with an affirmation of the need to creatively engage in the third space; between Indigenous values and priorities and Western formats and narrative structures, to arrive at a uniquely modern Indigenous telling that is accessible, firstly to Indigenous Australians, and secondly, to those with whom we wish to share our stories. In essence the paper and presentation draws together the importance of cultural story telling values of the past with manifested cultural story telling methods of the present (and future) – that is the storytelling paradigm of the ‘Young and Old’ and how it can connect generations. Ngulluk Wangkiny Koora, Yeye, Boorda; We Speak of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.
Author bio: Glen Stasiuk (nee Keen/Farmer/Hayward): Associate Professor at Murdoch University and WASA Award winning director of the documentary The Forgotten, Glen is a maternal descendent of the Minang-Wadjari Nyungars (Aboriginal peoples) of the South-West of Western Australia whilst his paternal family immigrated from post-war Russia. These rich and varied cultural backgrounds have allowed him, through his filmmaking, research and writing to explore culture, knowledge and diverse narratives. This was evident via his film: The Forgotten, voted Best Documentary at the 2003 WA Screen Awards, which documented and examined the Aboriginal community's contribution to the Australian Armed Forces in the 20th Century. Glen holds a Business Degree from Edith Cowan University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Murdoch University. In 2002 he was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Media Studies and delivered the Valedictory Address at that year’s graduation ceremony. Recently this year Glen honourably received the Minoru Hokari Scholarship from the Australian National University (ANU) to research the conciliation and conflict between settlers and Nyungars in the Swan River colony (1829-1834). He has lectured in Media Studies, Nyungar Studies and Cultural Issues at Murdoch University and is currently completing an Australian Research Council (ARC) grant and his PhD which revolves around his latest film in production: Wadjemup: Black Prison – White Playground. Other film productions include: Noongar of the Beeliar (Swan River), The Ngallak Koort Boodja Project, Weewar – A Bindjareb Warrior, Footprints in the Sand and Gnulla Katitjin Quoppadar Boojar.
2. Jason Japarri Woods, David Slowo & Simon Fisher: Animating Jukurrpa: The transference of traditional Warlpiri stories using Digital Media
In 2009/2010 PAW Media undertook a significant cultural digital media project which involved young indigenous community members animating important stories told by the community’s older generations. The project produced animations depicting both Jukurrpa (ancestral being stories) as well as contemporary stories in three communities of the Tanami region; Yuendumu, Nyirripi and Willowra. A key aim of the project was to place an emphasis on media training in new technologies for participating remote community members. It also encouraged the ongoing production of local stories using new mediums that younger generations are becoming increasingly immersed in. This presentation will outline the key methods and outcomes of the program to both the participants and to the intended local Indigenous audience. It will include the screening of a selection of short animations and will investigate the animation mediums and techniques used and the significance of those approaches to engaging both the media creators and the end viewer. A particular focus will be placed on the transfer process of timeless Jukurrpa oral storytelling into an animated film medium and the challenges and encountered advantages in doing so. An investigation into the appropriate distribution of the animations, in terms of local cultural protocols, will also be addressed. These animations were produced within a particular community context and nationwide distribution and sales were never the yardstick of the project’s success. The key achievement however, was the level of community participation and engagement in the creation of these animations and how these stories can be utilised into the future to keep Warlpiri language and culture strong.
The Animating Jukurrpa project can be viewed online at: http://www.animation.pawmedia.com.au
Author bio: Jason Japaljarri Woods is a young Warlpiri man who has been working for PAW Media since 2006. Jason was born in Darwin and attended school in Lajamanu before moving to Yuendumu, where he now lives. At 27 years of age Jason is well established in media production and has particular talents working with graphic art and design. From mid 2009 Jason embraced animation production working on various projects and undergoing mentor based training at PAW Media. In this short period he has produced almost ten short animations using a variety of animation techniques and mediums including both traditional stop motion animation and digital compositing in both Flash and After Effects. Jason’s animated film Marjardi from the series was a finalist at the Fist Full of Films Festival in Darwin in 2010.
Author bio: David Slowo is the Community Video Producer at PAW Media. David joined PAW Media in March 2010. He completed an undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne (Creative Arts / Media Studies) and a postgraduate from The Victorian College of The Arts School of Film and Television. He has been working as a producer in film and television for over five years, specialising in post production and visual effects. David produced the Animating Jukurrpa project and worked as an animation trainer and facilitator on a majority of the ten short animations produced. In September 2009 David along with local Yuendumu animator and media worker Jason Japaljarri Woods were invited to attend the Sydney International Animation Festival and spoke on a panel discussing Indigenous approaches to animation.
3.Jade Kennedy: The Meaningful Enhancement of Indigenous Culture through Technology: A Digital Acknowledgment of Dharawal Country
Practicing such traditional customs as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country have been identified as important protocols in making the University of Wollongong a friendlier environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It has become evident though that there is a significant lack of understanding around these customs and that they are becoming tokenistic institutionalised acts of political correctness. Consequently, a digital Acknowledgment of Dharawal Country was created through a series of engagement initiatives, to share the original intent of these traditional customs and specifically the meaningfulness of the connection and relationship Dharawal people have with country. This digital acknowledgment of Dharawal Country is the messing of the traditional practice of Acknowledging Country with modern day technologies. It represents the embodiment of five key concepts: Country, Kinship, Culture, Journey and Connectedness and acts as an orientation for those new to the land of the Dharawal, as a support for people wishing to Acknowledge Dharawal Country and most importantly, as a bridge for Elders and cultural knowledge holders to engage our youth in cultural learning.
Author bio: Jade Kennedy is a Dharawal/Yuin man from the South Coast of NSW. He is the Eldest son of Dootch and Cath Kennedy and has been raised to hold sacred and cultural knowledge’s of his people and country. Jade has worked with the University of Wollongong for the past 10 years and has performed various administrative and Indigenous focused roles and has delivered numerous training and speaking engagements over that time. He is interested in increasing the participation of Indigenous people in tertiary studies, engaging local Aboriginal communities in culture and raising people’s awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture across the state. Jade has provided cultural awareness training for the Australian Film Commission, the National Sound and Film Archives, Housing NSW and Australia Post, and is currently undertaking a PhD with explores the impacts of embedding Aboriginal cultural practices into organisations and institutions.