Dr. David Trigger

Biography

David Trigger works on meanings attributed to land and nature in diverse sectors of society across countries. His research encompasses academic studies of land and the sense of place that inform the cultural identities of citizens with diverse ancestries. His work, which mainly focuses on Australian society, has been shaped by over 35 years of anthropological study on Indigenous systems of land tenure and applied research in resource development and negotiations related to native title claims. In recent years, he has collaborated with colleagues to explore the overlaps and divergences in the senses of place between Euro-Australian and Aboriginal ancestors. His research includes projects that compare pro-development and environmentalist Aboriginal perspectives on land and nature. He has a particular interest in issues of ‘nativeness’ and ‘invasiveness’, and the implications these have for land, cultural identity, and environmental management. Professor Trigger is regarded as a leading scholar in applied anthropological research on Indigenous land negotiations within Australian society, having made significant impacts through his participation as an expert witness in native title claims and heritage matters. His work also involves collaborations with legal practitioners and professionals in economic development and environmental management.

Research Interests