Indigenous Political Thought - Book Launch
Join us for the launch of Politics: Philosophical Ordering by Country. We are delighted to welcome authors Honorary Professor Mary Graham and Professor Morgan Brigg for an engaging In Conversation exploring the ideas and insights behind the book. Following the discussion, guests are invited to enjoy an exclusive book signing and connect with fellow attendees over drinks and refreshments.
About Politics
First Nations peoples of Australia are among the world's oldest political designers. For them, Country isn't just a place to live, it's part of the network of relationships that shape responsibilities, behaviour and decision-making - a template for living together.
First Nations social and political systems balance individual freedom with a strong sense of responsibility and connection to others. By placing relationships at the centre, these systems encourage ethical behaviour and create long-term stability and security.
Mary Graham and Morgan Brigg interrogate and unpack two political systems - cultural and colonial - that appear to be at opposite ends of a continuum. Politics is about how these two systems can move together and, in these unpredictable times, help to guide the building of a modern Australia.
All are welcome to attend our free event.
The full collection of titles in the First Knowledges series, published by Thames & Hudson Australia, are available to view here: https://thamesandhudson.com.au/collections/first-knowledges
About the Authors
Professor Morgan Brigg
Morgan Brigg is Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies in the School of Political Science and International Studies at The University of Queensland. He is a specialist in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, governance, and innovative approaches to cross-cultural relations and the politics of knowledge. Much of his research develops and applies ideas of relationism that emphasise the dynamic and interconnected nature of political life among people, cultures and nations. He has developed these ideas in collaboration with Indigenous colleagues and peoples to understand Indigenous political systems and governance, challenge the discipline of political science to better engage with Indigenous peoples, and contribute ways of knowing and working across difference.
Honorary Professor Mary Graham
Mary Graham is a Kombumerri person through her father’s people of the contemporary Gold Coast, and Waka Waka through her mother’s people. She has taught Aboriginal history, politics, and comparative philosophy at The University of Queensland and other universities. Mary has worked across government agencies and community organisations, including establishing Aboriginal and Islander childcare services during the 1970’s and serving on the boards and committees for many Aboriginal organisations. She served in a range of public positions, including as a regional counsellor for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and as a Member of the Ethics Council of the National Congress for Australia’s First Peoples.
About the Panellists
Dr Melissa Lucashenko
Melissa Lucashenko, a Bundjalung woman, is a leading Australian writer and a founding member of Sisters Inside. In 2019 Too Much Lip won Australia’s most prestigious writing prize, the Miles Franklin. Edenglassie, her most recent novel, won eight Australian literary awards and was longlisted for the Walter Scott Historical fiction prize.
Dr Jackie Huggins
Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA is from the Bidjara and Birri Gubba Juru nations. She has held many leadership roles in Aboriginal Affairs and the wider community over four decades, working in Reconciliation, Education, Politics, Human Rights and Community Engagement at national and international levels.
Dr Anna Naupa
Dr Anna Naupa is a ni-Vanuatu and Pacific Islands leader. She has worked for over 20 years in senior advisory and management roles including the Pacific Fusion Centre, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and UN-ESCAP. She is recently appointed Melanesian Spearhead Group director-general.
Professor Katrina Lee Koo (Moderator)
Professor Lee Koo is the Head of School, School of Political Science and International Studies and will be our MC for the evening.