Australia: Barunga Community Archaeology (IFR)

Location: Barunga NT, Australia

Session Dates: July 15 – 29, 2026 onsite Program will also include 3 online meetings before arriving onsite

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/australia-barunga-community-archaeology/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), Barunga Aboriginal Knowledge Center (BAKC)

Project Director:
Professor Claire Smith

Project Description:

Participate in a field school truly off the beaten path as you share daily life with Aboriginal Australians in a remote part of the Northern Territory, Australia. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn about Indigenous archaeology and is undertaken at the request of the Barunga Aboriginal Knowledge Center and conducted under the guidance of Aboriginal Elders and members from the 300-person Barunga community. Help advance existing long-term research on Indigenous occupation and lifestyles in this region as you participate in “braiding” Indigenous knowledges and Western science through respectful interweaving of these worldviews. Collaborate with a community member on a co-designed project ranging from collecting oral histories, documenting bush medicines, and archiving photographs to recording rock art sites and the Barunga graveyard.

The program will include 3 interactive online meetings before arriving onsite, which will allow you to meet Barunga people and see their community and facilities prior to your time there.

Field school highlights:

• Develop a deep understanding of the complexity of Aboriginal social practices and cultural rules as you live, work, and share meals with the Barunga people.
• Explore how Indigenous Australian worldviews can transform archaeological practice and understandings of the past.
• Camp in the wild beauty of the Australian Outback at Kakadu National Park!

Period(s) of Occupation: Current

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
As this program moves locations, you will have a mix of accommodations. While a few nights in Matanka will be spent in a motel, most of time you will have a true field work experience, sleeping in tents at both Kakunda National Park and the Barunga Community. These sites will have access to shared public bathrooms and showers. The program advises you bring your own tent if possible, but will have options for sharing or purchase as needed. Meals: While all meals will be provided on this program, students will take an active role in shopping for groceries and preparing meals in groups and with community members. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodate on this program, which allows for significant student input on the meals.

Academic Credit:
6 semester (9 quarter) – anticipated