Yarning shares knowledge: Wiradyuri storytelling, cultural immersion and video reflection

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on the design and teaching of a capstone law subject that is aimed at developing Indigenous cultural competency in future lawyers. The discussion covers the translation of Wiradyuri traditions of oral storytelling into a video reflection assessment task for law students who undertook a cultural immersion experience with Wiradyuri Elders in rural NSW as part of their law studies. We examine two foundational spaces through personal reflection. Firstly, the space for relational learning through the authentic engagement with Indigenous cultural narratives to deepen academic and student knowledge about traditional cultural practices and Indigenous legal systems. Secondly, we discuss how Indigenous self-determination and authentic relationships with Indigenous peoples can influence practices of social justice in legal education. We refer to specific place-based learning initiatives that highlight the strength and diversity of cultural traditions and bring to the forefront some of the contemporary social realities of Indigenous people in Australia today. Thus, connecting the development of knowledge to respectful partnerships of collaboration and validating the power of authentic learning experiences to influence meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples at a local level. Finally, we reflect on the capacity for reflective analysis linked to this on-Country learning, both for students and academics, to impact on the development of legal professional identity in nascent lawyers, and thus impact on the profession at large.