Abstract
[Truncated] This PhD combines two different kinds of stories that interrelate as
expressions of Indigenous Knowledge. The first stories are two creative works
in the form of short novels for children titled ‘The Were Kids’ and ‘Lizzy Lorry
the Worm Ambassador’. The second story is a dissertation that critically
examines underlying features of Indigenous knowledge systems, with some
reference to the manifestation of these features in the creative works.
Creative Works
Both of the creative works deal with themes, issues and content important and
related to Indigenous ways of knowing. The Were Kids follows the adventures
of a number of young children who have the ability to transform into extinct or
endangered Australian species. For example, the main character has the
ability to transform into a Tasmanian Tiger. The story deals with themes of
species extinction, animal rights, and more generally the attitude of human
beings towards animals. The story employs a range of concepts from
Aboriginal knowledge systems, such as respect for the role of animals in the
world, and the idea of animals as family. More broadly, the story also deals
with the importance of accepting yourself for who, and in this case what, you
are.
Similarly, Lizzy Lorry deals with human’s relationships with animals and their
role in balancing the world. While the main character Lizzy cannot transform
into an animal like the characters in Werekids, she plays a central role in
helping a society of Worms with their responsibility in keeping the earth
balanced. The relationship Lizzy has with animals in the story, reflects
Aboriginal notions of animals as active agents in the world that follow their own
Law; have their own methods of communicating to human beings; and of the
interdependence species have with each other. Both Werekids and Lizzy
Lorry have an implicit message about ecological sustainability and striving to
find a balance in the human relationship with animals and the broader
environment. They are designed to be fast paced action novels that will attract
reluctant readers. Both works utilise an Aboriginal character as the main
protagonist and deal with strong environmental themes,
however these elements are embedded with an action orientated narrative.
I did not want to employ Aboriginal characters or themes in an obvious or stereotypical way.
expressions of Indigenous Knowledge. The first stories are two creative works
in the form of short novels for children titled ‘The Were Kids’ and ‘Lizzy Lorry
the Worm Ambassador’. The second story is a dissertation that critically
examines underlying features of Indigenous knowledge systems, with some
reference to the manifestation of these features in the creative works.
Creative Works
Both of the creative works deal with themes, issues and content important and
related to Indigenous ways of knowing. The Were Kids follows the adventures
of a number of young children who have the ability to transform into extinct or
endangered Australian species. For example, the main character has the
ability to transform into a Tasmanian Tiger. The story deals with themes of
species extinction, animal rights, and more generally the attitude of human
beings towards animals. The story employs a range of concepts from
Aboriginal knowledge systems, such as respect for the role of animals in the
world, and the idea of animals as family. More broadly, the story also deals
with the importance of accepting yourself for who, and in this case what, you
are.
Similarly, Lizzy Lorry deals with human’s relationships with animals and their
role in balancing the world. While the main character Lizzy cannot transform
into an animal like the characters in Werekids, she plays a central role in
helping a society of Worms with their responsibility in keeping the earth
balanced. The relationship Lizzy has with animals in the story, reflects
Aboriginal notions of animals as active agents in the world that follow their own
Law; have their own methods of communicating to human beings; and of the
interdependence species have with each other. Both Werekids and Lizzy
Lorry have an implicit message about ecological sustainability and striving to
find a balance in the human relationship with animals and the broader
environment. They are designed to be fast paced action novels that will attract
reluctant readers. Both works utilise an Aboriginal character as the main
protagonist and deal with strong environmental themes,
however these elements are embedded with an action orientated narrative.
I did not want to employ Aboriginal characters or themes in an obvious or stereotypical way.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Publication status | Unpublished - 2012 |