ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the use of anthropological knowledge beyond "the center" of its own production. Australian anthropology replicates the parallels, dislocations, and betweennes evident in descriptions of Australia’s people and their cultural landscape. Anthropological involvement includes ethnographic research with indigenous traditional owners, cultural mapping, the recording of genealogies, and the preparation of detailed reports that will be lodged with the tribunal or other relevant court. Associated activity includes peer-reviewing reports, giving expert witness testimony, and advising indigenous, industry, and government organizations. The Australian High Court heard the Yorta Yorta’s appeal against Olney’s decision but dismissed it in 2002, by a five-to-two vote. The Yorta Yorta claim, like other native title claims, was therefore not only about reconciliation and the recognition of indigenous knowledge and land tenure laws; it was also about generating work and rich sources of data for anthropologists.
