The Uluru Project
In collaboration with Gordon Waitt (University of Wollongong), Robert Figueroa (Oregon State University), examines the intersections between: joint management policies, tourism and reconciliation. Since 1985, as part of policies of self-determination, Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park has been jointly managed by a Board of Management. Since 1999, joint management policies have been advocated as a mechanism of reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Claimed outcomes of joint management policies suggest reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous people operates through a deeper understanding by visitors of traditional owners’ culture. Reconciliation is assumed to be enhanced through the development of mutual respect, and common goals and aspirations between traditional owners (the Anangu) and visitors. The aim of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Project is to explore the merits of such claims by investigating changes in the understanding of non-indigenous people of Aboriginality and Uluru – Kata Tjuta from their experiences of touring the Park. See selected article from their series below.