Movements_Campaigns - Self determination - The Commons Social Change Library

close up of Australian Aboriginal flag being carried by protestors

First Nations Resources: Start Here

A guide to First Nations campaigning and activist resources in the Commons Social Change Library including stories and perspectives.

Podcasts About Decolonisation, First Nations Justice and Invasion Day

People’s History of Australia-podcast and blog looking at Australian history from the perspective of ordinary people fighting together for a better life.

Reset 6: Centring Justice & Care

Reset Reading Group resources for the Centring Justice & Care theme introduced and curated by Roj Amedi.

Reset 1: First Nations Resistance & Climate Justice

Reset Reading Group resources for discussion curated and introduced by Karrina Nolan from Original Power. Includes Indigenous Principles for Just Transition, interviews, videos, podcasts, campaign links and prompts for discussions.

A group of people stand at the front of a forum. A speaker stands at a podium holding a microphone and wearing traditional Native American clothes. The podium has a brightly coloured fabric laid on top.

Supporting Indigenous Leadership in the Climate Movement

This article looks at connections between Indigenous rights and climate change and the legacies of genocide and oppression. It is directed at non-Indigenous people to encourage better allyship.

Change Makers (Text on orange background)

ChangeMaker Chat with Antony Dapiran: Dissent in Hong Kong

Antony Dapiran is the author of City of Protest – A Recent History of Dissent in Hong Kong. He is a long-time Hong Kong resident, lawyer, and commentator on Chinese business and legal matters.

black and white image of Aboriginal activists with a sign saying Always as Always will be our land

The battle for Aboriginal heritage on Perth’s foreshore 30 years on

Thirty years ago from January 2019 Noongar activists set up a protest camp at Gooninup, the site of the derelict Old Swan Brewery on Perth’s foreshore. This marked the beginning of a four-year long struggle to secure recognition of an Aboriginal sacred site.

The Morning star flag, symbol of West Papuan independence, is flying against a grey cloudy sky. The person who is holding it is in silhouette.

The spirit of Mambesak West Papuan freedom music

An introduction to West Papuan protest songs and the courageous artists and activists behind them.

Gary Foley leaning on a tower of publications

Performing Political History: An interview with Gary Foley

An interview with Professor Gary Foley about using creative practice to bring attention to the political challenges facing Aboriginal people in Australia.

Cover of Original Power's Building Power Guide - features a drawing of a turtle in red.

The Building Power Guide

The Building Power guide is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who want to change the world. It includes several training resources to build capacity for campaigning, such as explorations of change-making, power, strategy and leadership development.

Uncle Kevin Buzzacott stands in front of a large banner depicting a black hand against a red and yellow nuclear symbol.

Interview with Kevin Buzzacott

Kevin Buzzacott is a key figure in the opposition to the South Australian Olympic Dam mine and the nuclear industry in general. In this interview he outlines a number of the creative actions he has taken part in as part of a series of campaigns addressing the issues of dispossession and Aboriginal sovereignty.

Cover of Clare Land's Decolonizing Solidarity: Dilemmas and Directions for Supporters of Indigenous Struggles

Decolonizing Solidarity: Dilemmas and Directions for Supporters of Indigenous Struggles – Bookclub

Decolonizing Solidarity is a book by Clare Land which offers directions (and knotty dilemmas) to people seeking to support Indigenous Struggles. This article includes suggested guidelines for book clubs discussing Decolonizing Solidarity which are also beneficial for other groups doing anti-oppression and ally work.

Black and white photograph of four protestors standing in front of Old Parliament House. Placards read 'Land Ownership Not Lease', 'Land Rights or Else!', 'Why Pay to Use Our Own Land', 'Which Do You Choose: Land Rights or Bloodshed?'. 'Legally This is Our Land. We Shall Take It If Need Be'.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy was established in 1972 when the Coalition Government failed to recognise the land rights of Indigenous people. From its inception, the Embassy has been interwoven into Canberra’s physical and political landscape, blending black politics, symbolism and theatre that opponents have found difficult to counter.

Walmadan Booklet Cover featuring shells, turtles, james price point

Camp Walmadan Booklet, James Price Point, Western Australia: A Guide to Country, Community and Culture

Booklet gives an insight into a successful community campaign to stop a gas refinery at Walmadan/James Price Point in Western Australia.

Photograph of River Red Gum trees submerged in water.

Victorian Red Gum Forests: A Historic Victory

A comprehensive case study of the successful campaign to protect Victorian Red Gum Forests. Includes the history of the Barmah-Millewa Campaign, its goals and results. Given the historic outcomes of the campaign it is worth examining how such an effective green-black alliance emerged in south-eastern Australia.

Photograph of protestors at the Jabiluka blockade in 1998. Features banners with 'Uranium, Leave it in the Ground'. The march is led by Mirarr elders and Peter Garrett.

Jabiluka Fight for Country

In 2005 the Mirarr succeeded in halting the development of the proposed Jabiluka mine. It was the culmination of an extraordinary decade-long campaign which saw people across Australia and the world stand up and support Mirarr in their opposition to uranium mining on their land.

Stop Jabiluka, Stop Uranium Mining, Reclaim the Future. Symbol of a hand print on background of a nuclear symbol.

Stop Jabiluka Mine Handbook

Stop Jabiluka Mine handbook gives a fascinating insight into an important part of Australian social movement history as well as an overview of the kinds of issues to consider when organising a large scale direct action convergence. Over 500 people were arrested in the course of an eight-month blockade at Jabiluka in 1998.

Introduction to Original Power: Building the power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Original Power an organisation building the power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through collective action.

Campaigning to Solve Our Issues

This is an introduction to campaigning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Campaigning involves activating, mobilising, and organising people to make change and influence others to make change. This is an excerpt from Building Power: A Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Who Want to Change the World.

Making a Positive Change: Training guide

This is a training process guide to identify local stories, people, experiences, values, skills and knowledge that have made a contribution to positive change in the local community. It is an excerpt from Building Power: A Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Who Want to Change the World.

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