Presenter: Lilliani Tahaafe-Williams, Doctor of Philosophy, College of Indigenous Futures, Education & the Arts. Charles Darwin University
Date: May 13, 2021
Time: 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Contact person:
CDU Office of Research & Innovation
T:
08 8946 6548
E:
Research.Degrees@cdu.edu.au
Location: Room: Savanna Room, Yellow 1.2.48 & Zoom
On Indigenous Spirituality as a viable foundation for sustainable living & development: A Comparative Study of the Practices of the Yolŋu Aboriginal women in Australia and the Northern Sámi women in Norway
Lilliani Tahaafe-Williams
Doctor of Philosophy
College of Indigenous Futures, Education & the Arts
Charles Darwin University
Abstract
What the world decides to implement before 2030 will determine the longevity of all life on earth and the revertability of the climate crisis. Thus far, most solutions to development and sustainability have been rooted in European culture and values. Such values have normalised a predominately exclusionary model of human existence that encourages injustice and exploitation of the human person and nature to support economic growth. My research advocates for Indigenous spirituality as a foundational and enduring system of human existence - that values and respects all life on earth equally - as a progressive and contextual ontology that can redefine and reimagine sustainability. My research will be a comparative analysis of Indigenous female knowledge and practices from Northern Norway and Arnhem land as underrepresented carriers and guides to Indigenous life (systems/spirituality) that have enabled Indigenous peoples to navigate, endure and survive for thousands of years.
Biography
Lilliani Tahaafe-Williams specialises in International Development with a particular focus on the anthropological and sociological understandings of human and environmental development. She has a Master’s in development studies from The Graduate Institute of International Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. She cares deeply about the environment and the earth's ability to provide and support all life. Her academic and professional career has been dedicated to contributing to and supporting efforts for a more equitable, sustainable and just human existence. Having had an international upbringing, she respects and enjoys being part of a vibrant and diverse environment. Faith and spirituality are very important to her, and she strives to live with dignity, responsibility and discipline.
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