Combining participatory design, mixed reality technologies, archaeological science and digital cultural heritage to deliver innovative solutions for the repatriation of Olkola heritage
Overview
Important artefacts belong on Country and getting them back on Country strengthens Olkola culture. Our artefacts are a long way off Country but they belong here. Uncle Mike Ross, Olkola Chairman
Getting Back On Country is a Traditional-Owner led transdisciplinary research project that furthers ongoing partnerships between the University of Melbourne and the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation.
This project harnesses innovative technologies to digitise Olkola cultural heritage. It combines participatory design, mixed reality technologies (virtual reality and augmented reality), archaeological science and digital cultural heritage to deliver innovative solutions for the repatriation of Olkola heritage.
Getting Back On Country establishes a pilot process for digitising Olkola cultural archives and significant sites. Expected project outcomes include the digitisation of key cultural artefacts from archives across Australia, culminating in a mixed-media exhibition of the collection.
This project innovatively transcends disciplinary expertise to provide significant social, cultural and economic benefits for Olkola People and a collaboration process that supports Indigenous peoples across Australia.
This project was supported by a Melbourne Social Equity Institute 2020 Seed Funding Grant.
Image Gallery
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Recording at Nukakurra – Image: Michael Wittingham -
Recording at Nukakurra. Image – Michael Wittingham -
Uncle Mike and Hannah in Conversation. Image – Rochus Henkel -
Uncle Mike Trying on the VR Goggles for the first time. Image - Hannah Robertson. -
Mel Iraheta sharing 3D prints with Olkola during a visit to the University of Melbourne. Image – Hannah Robertson -
Rochus sharing 3D Nukakurra Video Draft with the Olkola team during a visit to the University of Melbourne. Image - Hannah Robertson. -
Uncle Mike tries on the 3D Goggles. Image - Hannah Robertson -
Uncle Mike exploring the 3D Nukakurra Space during a visit to the University of Melbourne. Image - Hannah Robertson -
Olkola presenting during the Perspectives Exhibition at Testing Grounds Melbourne. Image - Hannah Robertson
Publications
Virtual reality is helping Olkola Traditional Owners get back on Country, The Conversation, 5 September 2023.
Research Team
External collaborators
Olkola People, Traditional Owners
Debbie Symonds, Olkola Aboriginal Corporation
Michael Ross, Olkola Aboriginal Corporation
University-based researchers
Dr Hannah Robertson, Melbourne School of Design
Associate Professor Rochus Hinkel, Melbourne School of Design
Dr Lyndon Ormond‑Parker, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Dr Helen Green, School of Earth Sciences
Professor Rachel Popelka-Filcoff, School of Earth Sciences
Contact
For information about this project, please contact:
Dr Hannah Robertson
Melbourne School of Design
Email: hannah.robertson@unimelb.edu.au