Journal article
Unravelling colonial threads: Stories behind the fishing net: Sitting with the aunties
International Journal of Cultural Property, Vol.33(e3), pp.1-25
23/06/2026
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Abstract
This manuscript highlights the voices of Bundjalung elders in northeastern New South Wales, focusing on the impacts of colonization, such as the continued (un)raveling of cultural practices. The authors explore how colonialism perpetuates the exclusion of Indigenous worldviews and knowledge. Nonetheless, Indigenous peoples continue to strongly demand and advocate for meaningful recognition and protection of their cultural property and heritage, rooted in their own systems of law and lore. Through a project embedded in the Bundjalung nation, they examine the value of “cultural property and rights and question whether culture can be governed or regulated. The “Stories behind the fishing net: Sitting with the aunties” initiative at Gnibi College, Southern Cross University, recorded oral histories and traditional net-weaving techniques, fostering community connection and cultural governance. The project highlighted the important roles that cultural practice and objects play in building community and culture between and among Indigenous clans within the Bunjalung nation.
Details
- Title
- Unravelling colonial threads: Stories behind the fishing net: Sitting with the aunties
- Creators
- Jenelle Benson - Southern Cross UniversityAimee Andersen - Southern Cross UniversityThomas Dick - Southern Cross UniversityKylie Day - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- International Journal of Cultural Property, Vol.33(e3), pp.1-25
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Grant note
- Gnibi Elders Council Living Lab Northern Rivers
Particular thanks are given to elders Aunty Gwen Williams, Uncle Frank Kransa, Uncle Marcus Ferguson, Aunty Jacqui Williams, Aunty Margaret Torrens, and Aunty Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, and the Gnibi Elders Council as well as Namabunda Farm, Dhinawan Baker, Jagun Alliance, Oliver Costello, Yirrkala Art Centre, Reimagining Aboriginal Arts Centre, the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, Living Lab Northern Rivers, Bundjalung Tribal Society, Namitja Haven, Casino Weavers, Arts Northern Rivers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nalingah Mijung Dubais, Healing Hub and Jagun Dandii for sharing their stories and knowledge, Wanda DeVerille Hill, and the Centre of Children of Young People.
- Identifiers
- 991013384949402368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s), 2026.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article