Indigenous participation in the Australian colonial economy: an anthropological and historical investigation

The aim of the project is to examine Indigenous involvement in the Australian colonial economy and the resulting hybrid economies , through new research on particular sectors and locations to enhance knowledge of the variety and character of that involvement, and a synthesis of existing and new research on Indigenous involvement in the colonial economy over time. The research will synthesise existing and new studies, and will involve a multidisciplinary perspective: a historically orientated anthropology, economic history, and the study of material culture. The main outcomes will include academic publications, a conference, the documentation of collections at the National Museum of Australia, and one or more exhibitions at the Museum.