Japanese ancestors, non-Japanese family, and community: Ethnic identification of Japanese descendants in Broome, Western Australia

This paper explores the ethnic identity formation of the descendants of Japanese migrants in Broome, Western Australia. From the 1880s to the 1960s, Broome had an influx of Japanese migrants seeking work in its pearl shell industry and related businesses; one of the longest continuous Japanese migrations to Australia. Although the history of Japanese migration and mixing with the locals of Broome has been researched, and descendant experiences of being ‘mixed’ been portrayed in music and the performing arts, the internal dynamics of their ‘mixedness’ has not been investigated. This paper addresses the diversity of Japanese descendant identity by focusing on the complex transmission of their Japanese identity. Case studies reveal that their sense of being a Japanese descendant is transmitted and supported not only by their Japanese ancestors and the local Japanese community, but also by non-Japanese family members and the larger Broome community, operating in the background of Broome’s rich history as part of Australia’s “polyethnic north.

Searching for Aboriginal community in south western Sydney

Nota crítica acerca do livro, de Cidália Botas, "A Arte em Bracejo na Ilha dos Cestos", publicado pela Câmara Municipal de Pombal em Setembro de 2004

Managing 'Aboriginal selves' in South-Western Sydney

This paper explores Aboriginal people's multiple sense of selves in suburban situations. While the Aboriginal self has been usually conceived as forged through relationships with kin, in the contemporary world, Aboriginal lives are constrained by a genealogical understanding of Aboriginality, that is, one based on descent. This understanding is endorsed by the state system, by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations, and by non-Aboriginal people. In the suburbs there are different ways in which people come to understand and identify their Aboriginalty. Drawing on ethnographic field-work in south-west Sydney, this paper explores these forms of identity, how they are perceived, and the effects this has on their sense of self. The focus is on two individuals with different backgrounds and understandings of what it is to be Aboriginal. The increasing role of Aboriginal organisations to offer new forms of relatedness is also discussed.12 page(s

Japanese ancestors, non-Japanese family, and community: Ethnic identification of Japanese descendants in Broome, Western Australia

This paper explores the ethnic identity formation of the descendants of Japanese migrants in Broome, Western Australia. From the 1880s to the 1960s, Broome had an influx of Japanese migrants seeking work in its pearl shell industry and related businesses; one of the longest continuous Japanese migrations to Australia. Although the history of Japanese migration and mixing with the locals of Broome has been researched, and descendant experiences of being ‘mixed’ been portrayed in music and the performing arts, the internal dynamics of their ‘mixedness’ has not been investigated. This paper addresses the diversity of Japanese descendant identity by focusing on the complex transmission of their Japanese identity. Case studies reveal that their sense of being a Japanese descendant is transmitted and supported not only by their Japanese ancestors and the local Japanese community, but also by non-Japanese family members and the larger Broome community, operating in the background of Broome’s rich history as part of Australia’s “polyethnic north.

Exploring ambiguity: Aboriginal identity negotiation in southwestern Sydney

There has been little discussion on urban Indigenous identity in post-settler societies. However, in the scarce works which exist on this issue there are some remarkably common traits. For most Indigenous people, identity has primarily involved kinship ties associated with their perceived place of origin. In the city, Indigenous people encounter other Indigenous people who cannot be identified through kinship ties; in this situation, organizations dealing with Indigenous issues provide ways of connecting nonrelated Indigenous people, in line with a notion of ‘pan-Indigeneity’. This pan-Indigeneity is not only based on their experience in the city, but also is influenced by the ‘antique’ image of Indigenous people created through contact with European settlers as well as the common cultural mores and traits which Indigenous people share. With these different kinds of identities, urban Indigenous identity has been described as ‘fluid’ or ‘ambiguous’. The relationship between these identities has not been much examined. This paper explores the ambiguous and dynamic nature of Aboriginal identity in southwestern Sydney. Even though they are not related, Aboriginal people can usually recognize each other as ‘Aboriginal’ through certain cultural mores and traits. However, there are some who, although claiming to be Aboriginal, who do not share these cultural mores and traits. Their presence gives rise to tension and conflict revolving around the concept of Aboriginality. Through an ethnographical examination of the process of accommodating nonrelated Aboriginal people, this paper reveals how different kinds of identities are related to each other in urban situations.