Thesis
Becoming More Human: Learning respectfully from Place and Relatedness
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.355
Metrics
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Abstract
Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing and Doing have much to teach the broader community, especially in areas where dominant Western systems are in crisis, such as biodiversity protection, conflict management, and inclusive governance. Indigenous scholars and practitioners in different parts of the world are sharing aspects of their Knowledge systems in an effort to teach the rest of us more holistic, relational, sustainable ways of engaging. Genuine Knowledge exchange requires that those of us seeking to learn from Indigenous Knowledges learn to practice the principles and protocols of respectful engagement. Learning to be and know and do in more holistic, accountable ways is largely about learning to behave properly in our specific context. This research traces my process, as a white fella, of learning to behave myself properly in Bundjalung Country, especially through learning respectfully from the principles of Place and Relatedness. Using a relational methodology grounded in Indigenist philosophy, the project involves yarning with Elders, community members, and Country about the process of learning respectfully – what it looks and feels like, what it requires of us, and why it’s important. My research participants are community members with whom I have worked on education and employment projects over the last 10 years. Throughout our yarns we reflect on the qualities which make for good relationships and the protocols that guide proper conduct. The primary finding of this research is that we learn to behave properly through engaging in accountable relationships – with our own families, communities and culture; with Country; with research participants and communities and Knowledges with whom we are engaged in our research. All of my participants emphasize the need to actually do it. There isn’t a template for how to behave properly in this place; we learn to behave properly through engaging intentionally and accountably in the contexts of our specific, personal relationships in an ongoing process of becoming together.
Details
- Title
- Becoming More Human: Learning respectfully from Place and Relatedness
- Creators
- Margaret E. Hughes - Southern Cross University, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
- Contributors
- Stuart Barlo (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityShawn Wilson (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityHanabeth Luke (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 252
- Identifiers
- 991013184413702368
- Copyright
- © M E Hughes 2023
- Academic Unit
- Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
- Resource Type
- Thesis