In the second decade of the 21st century we have witnessed in western liberal democracies the re-emergence of extreme conservative politics in economies built on the spoils of colonialism, where inequality has flourished and the gap between rich and poor has widened. This shift includes the successful US Presidential election’s platform to ‘make America great again’, the ousting of the French Prime Minister over a technocratic budget, and the collapse of the German coalition government due to economic discord. The rise of authoritarianism and anti-incumbent politics in western liberal democracies has been enabled by the affluent.

In unsettler states, this form of politics reflects the legacy of colonialism in the very structure of governance as evidenced in the conservative and affluent-led mis-information campaign against the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum in Australia, and the Treaty Principles’ Bill in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Both these examples represent reductions in the rule of law, a decrease in the separation of powers, the dilution of emancipatory rights as well as weakening Indigenous treaty agreements, containing Indigenous self-determination, and silencing Indigenous voices.

Despite the present global political context, Indigenous communities are striving to protect the earth and look ahead to the future carrying the strength of our past into the present and beyond. Recognizing that thousands of Indigenous cultures understand time as a circular concept, Indigenous epistemologies potentiate and envision Indigenous futures of what-could-and-should-be.

We ask:

• How can we protect the earth, our human kin, and our non-human relatives for the future?
• What can our Indigenous futures look like?
• How can we future proof our nations? and
• What will being Indigenous mean in the future?

In good relations, this conference provides an intellectual space for scholars, researchers, policymakers, elders, and Indigenous community members to challenge, discuss and contemplate our resolve to flourish, to exist as peoples who live in their sovereignty, as culturally strong, healthy, political, and economically sustainable nations.

Tackling Indigenous intergenerational inequity is complex, requiring transdisciplinary, Indigenous-led research for Indigenous thrivance. Therefore, conference presenters are asked to:

• Centre Indigenous people, our theories, knowledges, and ways of knowing through research that is transforming and relational.
• Inspire participants with discussion to activate research-led transforming praxis to futureproof Indigenous nations.
• Embody Indigenous peoples’ sovereignty, knowledge and ways of being and doing.
• Advance theoretical, conceptual and practical understandings of Indigenous Thrivance.
• Resist the silencing of Indigenous voices and Reimagine Indigenous Futures.

Abstracts are invited for the following presentation options:

• Individual presentations – 25 minutes plus 5 minutes of questions and change over
• Panel presentations (max 4 presenters) – 30 mins
• Interactive workshops – 60 minutes (for example, traditional healing, yarning circles, creative practice, film, song, dance)

  
Prices include GST, General registration includes full daily catering as well as Welcome Event, BBQ and Gala Dinner.

For conference enquiries please contact ifcconference@uq.edu.au.

Getting to the Sunshine Coast

Hotel options and discounts for conference attendees

Where else to stay?

What to do and see nearby?

Public transport options

OPEN:
15th April 2025

CLOSE:
15th June 2025

NOTIFICATION:
15th July 2025