Heritage in the Context of Dispossession: An analysis of applied Aboriginal cultural heritage, legislation and policy in rural New South Wales

Abstract

This thesis examines the issue of Aboriginal cultural heritage management and governance by Aboriginal people in the context of dispossession. Partnering with the Bogan River Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Corporation, an Aboriginal community in Parkes Shire, in the Central West of New South Wales, this research examines the role that the violent dispossession of Aboriginal people and their forced incarceration on missions and reserves, played in the current disenfranchisement of Aboriginal people from management of their own heritage. It demonstrates that the manner in which Aboriginal heritage is currently being managed is continuing that dispossession and the associated disconnection between cultural management and community expectations and aspirations. Research into Aboriginal governance has highlighted a number of reasons why Aboriginal people have become disempowered from management of their own heritage. The issues examined include outdated legislation, the role of the State in archaeological heritage management; the authority of archaeologists and the multiplicity of meanings contained in the word “heritage” created through the politicisation of heritage. Contributing to these issues are the poor educational outcomes for Aboriginal people which contributes to a sense of powerlessness within the Aboriginal community. This thesis will demonstrate that the impact of colonisation and post-colonial legislation and cultural heritage management processes have impacted on the ability of Aboriginal people to determine their own cultural heritage. This has included the educational disadvantage and ongoing failure of our education system for Aboriginal people which has contributed to the creation of barriers to Aboriginal led management.