Urban Aboriginalities

Researchers

• Julia Hurst

Description

This research explores fundamental questions of Australian Aboriginal identity in 21st century Australia. Julia Hurst argues that cultural and political debate about the value of urban Aboriginal identities often serves to disempower Aboriginal voices. Hurst’s research will test location bound historical assumptions of Aboriginal belonging along with what are often considered the fixed historical processes of Aboriginal identity making across time. Following the question: ‘What is your Indigenous heritage, when your heritage is defined by convincing other people?’ Hurst will analyse narratives of urban Aboriginal identity in key locations around Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The differences between these locations will help to shape a multi-site, interdisciplinary analysis of new urban Aboriginal identities under varying cultural, economic and historical conditions.