Ann Curthoys and Ann McGrath are offering a three day Writing Workshop for PhD students working in the field of Indigenous history. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and historians are invited to attend.

The workshop will address the questions that arise when we study and attempt to write in the field of Indigenous History – in relation to ethics, theory, method, purpose, and practicalities. We will consider issues that are faced by anyone attempting to write history, and those that are specific to writing Indigenous histories.

We are developing an exciting line-up of Indigenous and other historians and writers as guest speakers. There will be plenty of time for workshopping individual student projects. Workshop participants will be expected to provide, ahead of the workshop, a draft chapter or part chapter of up to 4000 words. The draft will be workshopped in a supportive and constructive atmosphere, working in small groups.

Location: Australian National University, Canberra.

Hosted By: The Australian Centre for Indigenous Studies, Research School of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Arts & Social Science.

Sponsors: With generous funding assistance from the Research School of Social Science Postgraduate Program, and additional contribution from the College of Arts and Social Sciences.

Dates: 21 – 24 OCTOBER 2008.

Who is Eligible to Attend? Doctoral students working on relevant topics.

Closing Date for Applications: 22 September 2008. Places are limited, so please apply as soon as possible.  Funding assistance towards travel and accommodation is available.

Applications should be sent to Karen Smith by 22 September 2008. Send them either by email to Karen.Smith@anu.edu.au or by post to Karen Smith, History Program, RSSS, Australian National University, ACT 0200.

Your application should list the following:

Name, institution, contact details, title of project/thesis, date project/thesis commenced, name of supervisor, names of two referees, and a short (up to two pages) statement outlining your project and   what you hope to gain from attending the Workshop.

Please let us know if you require funding assistance, and also indicate if your host institution is willing to make a contribution.

Please also indicate whether you are an Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander.