Exploring Indigenous Creative Practice in Contemporary Post-Colonial Society

An Interview with Dr. Neil Morris

Abstract

Music continues to play an integral role for First Peoples around the world in practicing and sustaining Culture, as well as maintaining connection to spirituality. In the face of enduring colonialism and its devastating impacts on First Nations communities, music keeps stories, language, and identity alive. In the Lands of so-called “Australia,” these stories sustain the longest continuing culture on the planet, stretching back at least 60–80,000 years. Yet, while these Cultures are timeless, ways of expressing them are constantly evolving, becoming infused with cultural traditions from around the world. Through interview, this article explores Indigenous creative practice in the context of contemporary post-colonial “Australia,” focusing on four key topics: creative practice as an Indigenous artist in present-day society; implications for intercultural music engagement; impacts of global events like COVID-19; and Indigenous creative practice in industry contexts. The discussion further explicates the unique experiences and challenges of contemporary Indigenous artists, and implications for connections between arts, healing and social justice. Finally, some brief learnings for music therapy are offered to help the field reflect critically and honestly on the benefits and implications of combining arts and healing on Indigenous Lands, and our collective responsibilities in honouring Indigenous Culture in therapeutic spaces.