MUCH ADO ABOUT SPACE : ABORIGINAL CONCEPTIONS OF SPACE & IDENTITY IN METROPOLITAN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between contemporary Aboriginal conceptions of space and identity based on a study of Aboriginal Nyungahs living in metropolitan Perth. Findings from the study reveals that the Nyungahs today are internally diverse in terms of how knowledgeable they are of their cultural roots, their affinity to land and their self-defined identities. Although they retain, in general, a different conception of space compared to their white counterparts, their dependence on it as a basis for their sense of identity varies among Nyungah individuals and groups. This is in direct contrast to the pre-contact period where all Nyungahs had a homogenous conception of both space and identity. This 'new' relationship between spatial conceptions and identity is reflected in how they have defined self-determination goals and the means with which they have chosen to attain them. Those who are more traditionally-oriented or at least want others to think so, tend to attach great emphasis on traditional notions of space and land as vital to their sense of self when communicating their needs to the state. Those who have developed a more urban and modern outlook but who are not totally cut off from their cultural roots, tend to focus their self-determination efforts on preserving and maintaining what is left of their culture and traditions. This is achieved through educating the young and establishing good relationships with the rest of the Aboriginal community in Australia. All these point to the fact that both spatial conceptions and identity of a people are non-static elements that are capable of change resulting from interactions with societies which possess conflicting perspectives.