Knowledge and Wiradjuri: Who is telling the truth? A Wiradjuri Perspective

One must question if it is possible to portray Indigenous peoples in a correct light if one should follow the writings of some sociologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and historians. Much of their respective findings have provided false depictions of peoples, places, languages, cultures, origins and meanings. Wiradjuri peoples for instance have been informed by some historians and others of dubious intent that they never existed as Wiradjuri until someone came along and named them that! The danger here lies in how many contemporary researchers take the writings of those gone before as gospel, and in doing so contribute to the false depiction of Indigenous peoples. This false depiction adds to the knowledge base inherent in studies and research on Indigenous peoples. An unethical and inappropriate knowledge base is a major concern for my peoples, Wiradjuri peoples. There is much confusion in the broader community in regards to whose knowledge is correct and who should be believed. Readers of this paper will have the opportunity in many instances, to decide for themselves what to make of it all. This has been done in a deliberate way. Firstly it provides an opportunity to get an idea of what has been written about Wiradjuri and by whom, albeit briefly. Secondly, readers are given every opportunity to glimpse other perspectives of events and to also understand the thoughts, ideas, and concerns of a Wiradjuri man and whilst I am not a ‘Black Dictionary’, surely this is an entirely ethical and appropriate approach to take.