Extraordinary MT Colloquium, Thursday 17 November, Rendsburggade 14, Room 3.529

Scott Heyes, University of Canberra

The impacts and benefits of undertaking Participatory Research in Indigenous Settings: Case Studies from Australia, Arctic Canada, and Fiji.

Abstract: In this presentation I will draw on my collaborative teaching and research projects in Indigenous Australia, Arctic Quebec and remote areas of Fiji on design and cultural heritage topics relating to Indigenous geographies, pathways, hangout spaces, legendary landscapes, and sacred sites. I will describe how my teaching and research activities have been undertaken using innovative participatory research methods or through mapping, exhibition, and design charrette exercises. I will discuss the importance of designing partnership with Indigenous communities on projects that are relevant and meaningful to them. And by taking students to the field to meet and interact with Indigenous people first hand, I will discuss how these experiences help to address misconceptions that many students hold about Indigenous peoples. Upholding the view that the projects must champion the causes of Indigenous people and their knowledge systems, I will demonstrate how this has been achieved through co-produced exhibitions, book projects, and fieldtrips.