Format: Open Panel discussion

Convenors: Dave Johnston-Pitt and Wayne Brennan, Australia

Founding members of the Australian Indigenous Archaeologists Association, Dave Johnston-Pitt and Wayne Brennan host this Indigenous archaeologists’ session with presentations by some of Australia’s leading Indigenous archaeologists on the work we do here on our country – Australia.

Speakers:

A Retrospective on the First Code of Ethics on Members’ Obligations (1990) – 35 Years On

Hirinini Matunga, New Zealand

Dave Johnston-Pitt and I were both involved in the preparation of the draft, first suggested at the WAC Inter-Congress in Vermillion, South Dakota in 1989, then discussed and approved by the indigenous peoples’ forum at WAC2 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela in 1990 and subsequently approved by the full WAC Council. It is now 35 years on. The Code of Ethics has been operative for decades and it might be good to do a retrospective. Some might be interested in the origins/process of the Code etc but may also wish to consider/think about an analytic or matrix to measure/assess success, adherence, compliance etc.

WAC Code of Ethics and the Australian Archaeological Association’s Code of Ethics: A Retrospective

Dave Johnston-Pitt, Australia

Science and Culture, a Short History of Aboriginal and Archaeological Communities Working Together

Wayne Brennan, University of Sydney, Australia

A brief review of the history of the way science and Aboriginal communities have worked together since the 1980s till the present. The paper will examine some of the components that have been driving the dynamics and diversity of this important relationship. Research and consultation processes for Aboriginal groups differ throughout Australia and given the current political inaction in many states of Australia for the increased protection of cultural assets, there is concern. If governments cannot manage these valuable assets appropriately then communities with the assistance of scientist must fill the breach with a holistic community driven plan.

The Real Truth of Indigenous Capacity Building Within the Development Industry in Victoria, Australia and the Underlining Racism my People Face

Annette Ziberas, Managing Director, Urban Colours Arts Cultural Heritage Planners

A History of the Walbunja People and Country and the Challenges Protecting Cultural Heritage Sites in Racist Australia

Uncle Owen Carriage, Walbunja/Yuin, Senior Elder