The dugong hunters of Cape York today : factors in the formation of identity and the emergence of the Port Stewart Lamalama tribe

Abstract

The Port Stewart Lamalama people comprise a social group that has emerged as a distinct entity in post-colonial period. This thesis proposes that their formation as a distinct group resulted from dislocation of a number of discrete clans, local groups and language groups after initial advance of European colonialism dispossessed them of their land. It can be shown that certain aspects of social organization have retained their va1ue for Port Stewart Lamalama people. Most significant among these are kinship and interests in land. It is argument of this thesis that Port Stewart Lamalama people can be regarded as an indigenous ethnic group because of shared genealogical links, shared interests in land, a common cultural heritage, and common history. The role of each of these factors in formation of identity is analyzed. Kinship and land ownership are found to be of central importance. Members of group describe themselves as the Port Stewart Lamalama tribe, indicating a conceptualisation of their distinct identity. This thesis is concerned with examination and explanation of what is meant by term “the Port Stewart Lamalama” and development of this group as a distinct “tribe”. Further research specifically focused on questions of identity formation would be required for a comprehensive understanding of Port Stewart Lamalama style of self in relation to concepts of identity.