Paper short abstract

Gugu Badhun Aboriginal Nation are developing a culturally distinct economy as one strategy of nation-building, and while it may work within a neoliberal system it is a radically different model, which we explore in this paper.

Paper long abstract

In this paper, we will look at Gugu Badhun economic development as one strategy of nation-building through which they are both identifying and organizing as a nation. Given that economic development happens within the broader neoliberal market, it is important for Gugu Badhun values to be firmly established as the foundation for a culturally relevant economy. We will examine the Gugu Badhun Community Plan, as well as data from community workshops and participant-observation, to unpack what those values are and how they will underpin a Gugu Badhun economy. In particular, we will compare the values of a Gugu Badhun economy against other values, like those of a capitalist economy and those of a social enterprise model.