“Hangin’ Out” and “Yarnin”: Reflecting on the Experience of Collecting Oral Histories

Abstract

Weilmoringle or Wayilmarrangkalku means ‘old man saltbush’ in the Muruwari language. It is a remote Aboriginal community and pastoral property two-hours northeast of Bourke and it is where I grew up. This article explores my ambivalent feelings, triggered by returning there after many years away. In collecting oral histories for community/family research, I am faced with many social and ethical issues, as well as personal ones. I am learning much about the impediments to the application of oral history methods and approaches, which arise from the multiple and interchangeable roles and responsibilities of the researcher as a community person, family member, and researcher. Through ‘hangin’ out’ at Weilmoringle, trying to learn about other people’s connections and disconnections to place, I have begun my own journey of rediscovery and reconnection.This paper is published by invitation, as the winner of the inaugural John Ferry Prize.