Events

Navigating spaces of, and between, Indigeneity and university research is a contentious and often personally challenging task. As a university-trained and paid Solomon Islander archaeologist, it is plain for me to recognise my privileged social position and education. Knowing how to best utilise my privilege, however, to develop effective cultural heritage management practices, community engagement outcomes and capacity-building opportunities is easier said than done.

This two-fold presentation gives, firstly, a summary of findings from a recent three-week field survey of cave sites on Wagina, western Solomon Islands, which was aimed at identifying the earliest evidence of human settlement of the region. Secondly, it contextualises these findings and the presenter’s broader archaeological and anthropological research within theoretical and moral discussions about Indigeneity and the politics of knowledge production.

Drawing upon the growing body of Indigenous-authored and critical literature on these matters, in particular writings on Solomon Islands tok stori, personal reflections and aspirations are shared from the presenter’s perspective as a Solomon Islander of I-Kiribati and British descent.

This seminar will be in hybrid format, both in-person and online. Zoom details will be sent to individuals once they register via Eventbrite.