Introduction to Decolonisation 2026

About the Course

The Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) and Future Dreaming Australia are offering a 4-week introductory course for people seeking to build their understanding about what ‘decolonisation’ means in theory and practice, and how principles and practices of decolonisation can be used in our personal and professional lives.

Download the Course Outline here

Join us!

Learn about the history and different interpretations of decolonisation, as well as connected concepts including colonisation, imperialism, post-colonialism, Westernisation, modernisation, racism and whiteness studies.
Develop your ability to identify, critique and challenge political, economic and governance systems from a ‘decolonial’ perspective.
Develop your ability to identify, critique and change colonial perspectives and practices in your profession, workplace and personal life.
Connect and collaborate with a network of like-minded, multi-disciplinary professionals;
Engage at a personal and professional level, with a positive, inclusive vision for the future.

Course Facilitator and Guest Speakers

Your facilitators – who will guide the course, and share insights and teaching:

Dr Michelle Maloney – Australian Earth Laws Alliance, Director of Future Dreaming and descendant of Irish people who were part of the colonisation of Australia
Dr Mary Graham – Kombumerri person from the Yugambeh Language Speaking Peoples, Director of Future Dreaming and Adjunct at the University of Queensland

Our guest speakers include:

Dr Mary Graham – Adjunct Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Queensland and Kombu-merri and Waka Waka First Nations person
Dr Yin Paradies – Professor of Race Relations, Deakin University and an Aboriginal-Asian-Anglo Australian of the Wakaya people from the Gulf of Carpentaria
Nisha Mary Poulose – Founder of Woven Design Collaborative and member of the South Asia Bioregionalism Working Group, India
And other terrific speakers being confirmed

Course Content

During our 4 week course you will:

Learn about the theory and practice of decolonisation;
Explore a range of connected concepts including colonisation. imperialism, post-colonialism, Westernisation, modernisation, racism and whiteness studies;
Learn about some of the different ways that ‘decolonisation’ is understood in different cultures and communities around the world, with a focus on Australia and India;
Learn about how different professions – including science, law, economics, public health, psychology, environmental management and more – can be ‘decolonised’;
Be invited to engage in critical thinking and ‘decolonising’ exercises, that will sharpen your ability to identify, critique and understand decolonisation.

Mode of Delivery

All classes are delivered online (using Zoom video conferencing).
Classes are a mix of lectures/information sharing and small break out discussions and short practical exercises.
Live classes will be held on Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time), to allow you to complete the course amid existing professional and personal commitments.

Limited scholarships are available for students and volunteers within not-for-profit organisations who need support to participate in the course.

Payment plans are also available – please email us for the details: aela@earthlaws.org.au

Course Content

Course Introduction, Resources and Zoom Links for Live Classes

Introduction

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Zoom Links for Live Classes

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Week 1: Introduction to colonisation, decolonisation, racism and modernity – 4 March 2026
In this class, we'll introduce a framework that helps us understand different aspects of decolonisation and share Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives about decolonisation. We'll then explore the history, meaning and impacts for colonisation and imperialism; and the connections between colonisation, racism, Westernisation and 'modernity'.

Week 2: Colonisation and decolonisation in Australia – 11 March 2026
In this class, we'll explore colonisation and decolonisation from an Australian perspective. We'll discuss the history, political, legal and social impacts of colonisation and what it means to 'decolonise' when the western governance system created by colonisation continues to maintain dominant political power on the continent. We'll hear from Indigenous and non-Indigenous speakers and explore what 'decolonisation' can mean in Australia today.

Week 3: Colonisation and decolonisation in India – 18 March 2026
In this class, we'll explore what colonisation and decolonisation means from the perspective of people and communities in India. We'll discuss the history, political and social impacts of colonisation by the British Empire in India; the decolonization of space and territory that took place when the British left India and the ongoing work to 'decolonise' people's thinking, governance and actions in daily life.

Week 4: Practicing decolonisation in your profession, and your personal life – 25 March 2026
In our final class, we'll discuss the issues we face when 'decolonising' our knowledge systems, our professions and our personal lives. We'll look at different examples of what people 'do' when they aim to 'decolonise' their work, their professions and their personal world view.