A journey to and from archaeology

This autobiographical chapter explores the challenges and achievements of a Walbunja scholar in his journey to and from Archaeology. Archaeology, as a colonial discipline, has often brought harm and discomfort to Indigenous peoples, but it also has the possibility for positivity, and healing. Studying Archaeology as an Indigenous person in university also brings its own challenges: by lecturers, by fellow students, and also personal challenges brought about by a disconnect between course content and lived experiences. By drawing on his own life, family, ancestors, and experiences studying Archaeology, the author explores some of the key issues that drive Indigenous peoples toward Archaeology, as well as the ways Indigenous peoples turn away from it.