Navigating Living and Working on Unfamiliar Country: A First Nations Perspective
A Dulgubarra-Yidinji writer, Skye Cusack, explores how First Nations people navigate living and working on Countries that are not their own, based on interviews with several individuals.
The Complexity of Belonging
Skye Cusack grew up disconnected from her heritage and now lives on Wurundjeri, Yawuru, and Dgujan Countries.
This dislocation frames the central challenge: how do you honor Country when it is not your own, especially when your own connection has been fractured?
Fractured Heritage
Beau Windon, a Wiradjuri educator, notes that colonization has fractured his connection to heritage.
This fracturing is a lived reality for many, making the act of learning about and respecting another's Country a deeply personal journey.
Racism on One's Own Path
Brooke Collard, a Ballardong/Whadjuk Noongar woman, grew up on Nyikina Country and experienced racism on her own Country.
Even for those with established connections, the experience of navigating Country can be fraught with injustice and alienation.
The Power of Small Moments
Luke Patterson, a Gamilaroi writer, emphasizes the importance of intimate moments with local mob.
"Being trusted to make tea," he says, signifies a deeper acceptance and a break from transactional relationships.
Key Advice for Moving with Care
Patterson advises owning up to mistakes and asking well-rounded questions to avoid causing harm.
Code-switching is common. Patterson defines it as changing speech according to context, while Collard notes it also involves judging what is appropriate to share.
Finding Community, From Small Towns to Big Cities
Finding community varies by location.
In small towns like Rubibi, relationships form through intimate gatherings.
In cities like Naarm, events are more dispersed.
Research and Respect
Windon suggests a proactive approach:
Research Traditional Custodians and attend cultural events to learn respectful behavior.
The Final Word on Authority
Patterson offers a guiding principle for all interactions on other Countries:
Do not move through other Countries with authority. Move like you are carrying a message, not delivering a command.