‘Say You’re a Nyungarmusicologist’: Indigenous Research and Endangered Song

Abstract

Based on my work as an Aboriginal Australian researcher studying song traditions in the Southwest of Western Australia, this article interrogates notions of ‘native’ music researchers and distinctly Indigenous approaches to research. An Indigenous scholar’s identity, acceptance, and the advantages or constraints they experience are subject to constant negotiation as they attempt to balance responsibilities to the academic and Indigenous communities they belong to. In light of these responsibilities, Indigenous music researchers may be motivated to nourish their own, thus far under-researched, local music traditions, serving to increase the diversity of music studied and sustained worldwide.