Beyond collaboration: Trans-cultural journeys in the Kimberley

My research/inquiry concerns trans-cultural journeys made with people from Mowanjum, an Aboriginal community in the Kimberley. These journeys provided an opportunity for me and other non-Aboriginal participants to experience land and culture in a unique way. I began with the question what is the nature and meaning of trans-cultural collaboration involving Aboriginal land. I found the concept of collaboration limiting as I and others were challenged by an Aboriginal ontology and world view. My thesis presents insights from each journey, noting the importance of relating and relationships. I sought to present an approach which took seriously the question of what it means to relate with Aboriginal people on their land, allowing this experience of relating to deconstruct my approach to life, research and relating.