Nungon, Patrol Officers, and Missionaries: Differing Narratives about Two Key Events in the History of Nungon People of New Guinea
2023
Abstract
The objective of the paper is an analysis of selected historical events that took place in Uruwa Valley among Nungon people. The events - relocation of a village and religious conflict - still affect the life of the community.
The author has partially reconstructed the events using archival materials, especially patrol reports, and printed documents. The course of reconstructed events differs from the local peoples' recollections of the same past.
The article confronts different versions of the past without seeking the 'truth' of Nungon past events; rather, it aims to demonstrate the plurality of voices - local people and Australian patrol officers - and to present the importance of the past events for the life of the community.