Dissertation
Reading between the lines: Uncovering Butchulla history in the K’gari Research Archive
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00725
Abstract
Archives are increasingly recognised as important tools in the truth-telling process. Often these same archives have been created without the consideration for Indigenous peoples’ selfdetermination and are sites of symbolic annihilation (Caswell, Cifor and Ramirez, 2016; Caswell et al., 2017; O’Sullivan, 2020). This research examines archives from an Indigenous user standpoint. It uses Indigenous research methodologies of Yarning and community-centred research to examine the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in institutional archives. This research provides an original contribution to knowledge through its unique framework to understand the many sites of symbolic annihilation in archives. The research is presented via two outputs: a creative artefact in the form of a mini-documentary series, exhibited in a curated gallery space; and this supporting exegesis. The exegesis includes a literature review that situates this research within the growing recognition of Indigenous rights in relation to archives, specifically right to know, right of reply, Indigenous cultural and intellectual property (ICIP) and Indigenous data sovereignty, but also, within the broader context of the evolving world of socially just archives. Underpinning the review and subsequent analysis of archives are the theoretical lenses of critical race theory and feminist standpoint theory, each of which were applied
within an Indigenous standpoint ontological and epistemological framework. This framework was applied to a case study of the K’gari Research Archive (KRA), which holds records about Butchulla Country. The analysis of the KRA, which includes perspectives of Butchulla community members, found that combatting symbolic annihilation requires Indigenous worldviews be applied throughout the record life. To provide structure to this analysis this I use the records continuum model. I specifically focus on the Identity axis of the records continuum model and in doing so foreground the issue of decision-making authority in the life of records. I argue that to prevent symbolic annihilation of Indigenous peoples in records, archives must include Indigenous worldviews in decision-making at all stages of the record’s life. In doing so archives can support both nations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on their truth-telling journey.
Details
- Title
- Reading between the lines: Uncovering Butchulla history in the K’gari Research Archive
- Authors
- Rose Barrowcliffe - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Contributors
- Clare Archer-Lean (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00725
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99701598902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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