Ganggali Garral Djuyalgu (Weaving Story): Indigenous language research, the insider–outsider experience and weaving Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing into academia

Abstract

Aboriginal weaving is used as a method to explore new understandings and extend on the notions of insider–outsider in the research space. Just as weaving requires different strands of fibres, the insider–outsider researcher finds ways to enable the co-existence of differing authorities, roles, and responsibilities as community Elder and emerging researcher alongside the development of culturally resonant research approaches and methodologies. This paper weaves together strands that are a representation of Aboriginal knowing, being, and doing: cultural practices that influence Indigenous language revitalisation research. As an Indigenous Australian researcher, community Elder, language teacher and activist, the lead author Radley is experienced in the complexity of performing multiple roles while undertaking research. She relays the tensions inherent in an insider– outsider researcher identity through her research into the revitalised Gathang language (Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia). Aboriginal academics, co-authors Ryan and Dowse explore Indigenising academic spaces, the politics of elevating Aboriginal protocols to transform research ethics, and the importance of listening and telling our stories in our own ways. Together, the authors interweave their stories to demonstrate partnerships between research and culture and speak of the importance of Indigenising the academy.