Entry 1: Out of Our Comfort Zones

I already have a great deal of respect for the entire operation and I’m looking forward to discovering the cultural systems, knowledge, and connections the Jawoyn People have to the landscape and artwork.

Because relationships and the sharing of knowledge are paramount for Field Schools to successfully operate, I’m expecting to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds both amongst the Flinders team and people of the town/region of Barunga itself. Amongst the Flinders team, I’m expecting to enter a culture made of professionalism and good-natured morale based on humility, empathy, and passion for the archaeological project and the people of Barunga; as well as some experienced and funny characters. I’m expecting to meet some local Barunga people with great and unique personalities from interesting backgrounds, whom I’ll have a chance to share life experiences that will broaden my understanding of Indigenous Australia.

In terms of the practice, I’m expecting exposure to modern archaeological methodologies and equipment to conduct site recording, ethnography, and anthropology. In turn I’m hoping to gain a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture both past and present, and how modern archaeological practice can be used to best record and preserve Cultural Heritage. Due to the nature of the Field School accommodation, I’m expecting the day to day life to be modest, hands-on, and team-orientated, which should nurture a committed and unified mindset towards the completion of Field School tasks and excursions. I’m also hoping to gain inspiration to continue further study and build friendships/professional relationships for involvement in future Australian Archaeological projects.

Reading briefly into past experiences by Smith and Jackson makes me expect an environment in Barunga that is both welcoming and intuitive towards respect, the latter of which would be vital for the sharing of information. I already have a great deal of respect for the entire operation and I’m looking forward to discovering the cultural systems, knowledge, and connections the Jawoyn People have to the landscape and artwork.

Entry 2: Experiences and Challenges

I’ve learnt that association with something like sport generally leads to the formation of relationships whether it be a good, normal or bad relationship with people, activities, and/or material culture.

Since the field school kicked into gear I’ve started to get a feel for what Community Archaeology actually is. It is the existing material culture that local people value and associate with their culture, as well as the cultural practices that utilise the materials. For example the rock art sites are material places that people associate with home, important human and animal forms, spiritual beings, and Dreamtime stories (among many other things); while the painting materials used to create them requires knowledge, technique, and an important skillset for the identification, manufacture, and utilisation of the material. The people also associate the skills they learnt with the people that passed the knowledge on, i.e. their father/mother and other family members and fellow community members. Hence the material culture leads to the formation of relationships.

I’ve also learnt a great deal about kinship, and the law that keeps people safe from having relations with biological family members. For example you can tell who you can marry and who cannot marry by what your “skin” name is, which is dictated by who your Mother is, and which husband she chooses out of the two optional skin-types at her disposal. My paper has started to resemble the things I’m interested in and the people I’ve been able to meet. The research starts at identifying people’s involvement in sport, but always veers off to identifying lifestyle and the choices that made them the people they are, and the lives they want to live. I’ve learnt that association with something like sport generally leads to the formation of relationships whether it be a good, normal or bad relationship with people, activities, and/or material culture. Sport is generally used to escape the bad relationships.

The main challenge I’m facing is having the energy to stay intuitive throughout the day, especially when I get the chance to talk with people about my chosen research topic. I spend a lot of energy recording what people say and trying to bring all the information together, so I’m wondering whether I should just stay the course, record as much as possible, and believe that it will all come together in the end.

Entry 3: Take Away Thoughts

I’m understanding that knowledge is the most valuable thing that people from an Indigenous community can possibly pass on, and archaeologists/researchers should repay this gift by providing an academic product that holds value to the community.

I’ve gained a further understanding of how Indigenous people see their world. The land is the made up of the people’s ancestors and creation beings, which dictates where and how people live in terms of what land you can occupy, what knowledge you’re allowed to know, and what you can and can’t touch; which also works to retain harmony between neighboring communities. There is so much to learn through observations of everyday interactions, the Skin Name system (and how it dictates the way people interact with each other, while providing child protection), the love for community structure, the kindness and respect shown for elders and past generations, and the passion of young and older adults to be role models for future generations.

I’ve learnt how to conduct archaeological research in an Indigenous community, which as well as things such as: equipment, supplies, methodologies, communication, permits, strategy, and a camp, most importantly requires trust and permission from the Traditional Owners. Even after gaining trust and permission, archaeologists must put their agendas aside and really listen to what the community wants you to do. I’m understanding that knowledge is the most valuable thing that people from an Indigenous community can possibly pass on, and archaeologists/researchers should repay this gift by providing an academic product that holds value to the community.

I’ve also learnt more about the importance of teamwork within a research group, as well as being selfless, listening carefully, leading where necessary, and how to best utilise each other’s strengths. I’ve started telling myself that before judging others I should first try to see their point of view, and also realise that I have many faults and imperfections of my own. I’m learnt that an intuitive and patient mind will always overcome a judgemental and apprehensive one.

My number one goal coming into Barunga was to improve on my existing archaeological skillset, but I had no idea it would be a completely different skillset taught by the Barunga community itself.