student perspectives – Barunga Aboriginal Community Archaeology Field School

After a break in 2017, the Barunga Community Archaeology Field School runs annually from July 6th to the 12th. This is the blog for the 2018 field school. Staff, students and Barunga community members are all very excited to see what this year has in store. As always, the field school aims are community-driven, making each year a unique opportunity to produce meaningful outcomes that address community concerns. Though our focus is on archaeology, there can be more to the discipline – as the students will learn – than studying human material culture. It is about learning how to listen, how to observe, how to empathise, how to work together, and building relationships that reach beyond individuals and into a larger social network. It can be a powerful tool in addressing social issues affecting many different communities.

This year, we welcome local students and those from interstate; both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students who will no doubt take something away from their experiences here in Barunga. It will be fun, it will be hard; there will be laughs, there will be tears – all of which we – the staff and the community – have come to expect each year. As for the students? You can read their thoughts below.

Welcome, Team 2018!

Rusalka