World’s largest archaeology congress comes to Australia for the first time
Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Northern Institute and Flinders University made history in June, bringing the World Archaeological Congress (WAC) to Australian shores for the very first time.
Thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries gathered at CDU’s Danala | Education and Community Precinct for the 10th WAC (WAC-10) - a week-long global forum of archaeologists, anthropologists, heritage experts, historians, and Indigenous leaders.
The event explored the power of archaeology to shape global heritage policy, spotlight threats to cultural sites, and deepen societies shared understanding of the past.
Scientific tours took delegates beyond the conference walls, offering first-hand experiences of culturally and archaeologically significant sites across the Northern Territory.
Cultural programs also ran alongside formal sessions, celebrating the richness of Indigenous Australian cultures and providing opportunities to learn directly from Aboriginal knowledge holders, artists and teachers.
Dr Eileen Cummings, CDU Fellow and Co-Chair of the WAC-10 Indigenous Elders Committee, said industrial threats to ancient Aboriginal sites were among the key issues raised.
“For a long time, we were worried about our sacred sites but now our people are starting to look at the sites that are archaeological, so they can get trained in that area to look after those areas,” said Dr Cummings, a Rembarrnga Ngalakan woman from Central Arnhem Land.
She said she hoped more young Indigenous Australians would consider careers in archaeology to deepen their connection to Country and take an active role in preserving culture.
“Aboriginal rangers, in particular, could benefit from learning more about ancient sites as part of their role as custodians of the land,” she said.
Held every four years, the WAC is one of the world’s most inclusive gatherings on the past - open not only to academics, but to anyone passionate about history, culture and heritage.