Beginnings
Over the last century, many visitors to the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara lands in Central Australia collected and permanently removed artefacts, photographs, film footage and sound recordings. While some of these materials were filed away in the archives of public institutions, others were ‘lost’ in family photo albums or packed away in old suitcases and boxes. Many of these materials are of great importance to A
nangu (Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people).
Tracks
Ara Irititja (‘stories from a long time ago’) officially commenced in 1994 to repatriate ‘lost’ material for A
nangu. By 2018, A
ra Irititja has tracked down hundreds of thousands of historical and cultural items and makes them available to A
nangu through interactive software.
Building a Digital Archive
Harsh environmental conditions make it inappropriate for fragile materials to be physically returned to A
nangu communities. Consequently, all items are digitally returned using a purpose-built knowledge management software now known as Keeping Culture KMS.
Cultural Issues
Anangu are passionate about protecting their past, accessing it today and securing it for future generations. A
nangu have managed complex cultural information systems for thousands of years, restricting access to some knowledge on the basis of seniority and gender. A
ra Irititja has ensured that these cultural priorities be integrated into the design of the software they use.
Remote and Rugged
A
ra Irititja is accessed in A
nangu communities in South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia. A
nangu navigate the digital archive, write in information, stories and reflections in real time, and alert administrators to restrict access to specific items.
Sharing information
In the past, A
nangu were photographed and their knowledge recorded and published without any negotiation. Today, A
nangu are careful to determine how their history and culture are presented to the world-wide audience. The multimedia interactive program created by A
ra Irititja and Rightside Response called
Ara Winki: Life on the Pitjantjatjara Lands and A
ra Irititja’s App titled A
ra Winki No 1 are examples of how A
nangu prefer to share information.
