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Through my research into the influences of indigenous self identity and the role Reconciliation has had in promoting it, I have learnt much about, not only a fascinating culture, but also part of my nation’s history and our contemporary society.
My research methods were extremely effective in providing information of a subjective nature from both my mirco world and on a wider scale, my macro world. While at first I was hesitant about undertaking participant observation, it soon became something I looked forward to. I enjoyed working with those who felt a call to action, as I did. I took a long desired step and through the implementation of my own social identity and an understanding of others identity, I began the long search for an Australian national identity of my own.
I discovered that while the actual government process of Reconciliation, had little to no effect in the eyes of the Indigenous peoples, surprisingly it did initiate awareness and the development of a people’s movement, which is still evident within society today in the form of organisations such as ANTaR and ReconciliACTION. Each person I have met along the way has been an inspiration and life example of what it means to live in ‘The Lucky Country’ today.
However, the process was not all smooth sailing. My research has required me to confront conceptions of my own that I had previously accepted without challenge and reassess for myself the society of which I am a part.
From the outset of my PIP I had always planned on writing a fourth chapter, based on aims for the future. However, the deeper into the writing process I went, the more skeptical I became. I read countless reports and suggestions, aims and ideals of what will resolve the current inequality. So when the latest Government policy came to my attention, I made a decision to write only three chapters.
Later, rereading my interview with Elly Chatfield, I was struck by the strength of this woman, who has known suffering I never will. Her positive attitude despite all that has been done to her, forced me to stop focusing on the negative and rather search for the positives articulated throughout this process. I found many. And so while my decision for only three chapters’ remains, they are not without hope, understanding and more than anything respect.
The positives and negatives of being a young white Australian, I know, will forever be a battle within my own mind. One side, blatantly confronting me with the full knowledge of what has happened in the past in order for me to be able to enjoy my affluent present. Here rests the shame, the sense of guilt and the frustrated anger.
The other side offers me hope. It tells me that the future is what matters, that as long as there is a willingness to work together, one day the dream will be realized.
Reconciling these two sides is what my PIP has begun to teach me. I have found within that battle, a strong conviction that no matter how long it takes, how far backwards we sometimes stumble, the dream will become a reality. We will truly have A united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all.
For now it is on the horizon, but my dreaming tells me, one day it will be within reach. We have two rivers, but they each have the same course. |
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