Speakers
Description
In this session we look to trouble the conference theme of being a ‘good neighbour’ in light of ongoing research in the area of sport for reconciliation. The idea of being neighbourly suggests an equal footing, and is associated with notions of harmony, reciprocity and respect, for example. However, in Canada, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, where the presenters of this paper are located, these countries have long and painful colonial histories and ongoing impacts where Indigenous publics have not mattered. In the research and scholarship environment there is also much evidence of Indigenous publics not mattering and of extremely un-neighbourly behaviours where Indigenous publics are mined for their knowledge, and research has been done on or to, by outsiders, as oppose to with or by Indigenous publics. Rather than being good neighbours, we argue the importance for scholars to understand and act in ways that are about being good guests on traditional territories, if Indigenous publics are to authentically matter.
This panel discusses over a 75-minute session how we work with Indigenous publics whereby a reconciliation agenda is centred. We ask ‘what does being a good guest look like?’ and ‘what does being a good Indigenous ancestor look like?’ in the research context. We reflect on some of the opportunities and challenges from the perspective of Indigenous people. Panellists will speak from their positionality as Indigenous or non-Indigenous persons and areas of knowing.
