Examining for the purpose of knowing: Ngaabigi Winhangagigu

This chapter explains how culturally centred and community-led research is renewing Wiradyuri language and wisdom traditions. Ngaabigi Winhangaguigu, or in English, Research, only exists in its relationship with the researcher. In the field of research by, for and with Indigenous Peoples, it is critical that research is demystified and that people at the grassroots are recognised as having the ability to undertake serious research into areas/topics/issues that are important and of priority to them. The multi award winning Graduate Certificate Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage (GCWLHC) is a body of work undertaken by key community spirited Wiradyuri elders, and others they co-opted to support their vision. Their work is an example of an Indigenous Nation Building methodology. In this chapter we show how INB is rebuilding nationhood, cultural renewal, and strengthening identity, allowing Wiradyuri people to examine our knowledge systems in a bid to solve our own problems, and determine, for ourselves, futures of our own design.