EXPLORING BIOREGIONALISM: First Peoples' governance systems and the Relationist Ethos

Join us for AELA's "Exploring Bioregionalism" webinar series! In our December webinar, AELA Convenor and Greenprints creator, Dr Michelle Maloney, will be joined by Dr Mary Graham, to discuss how First Peoples' governance systems and the Relationist Ethos have inspired - and can guide - bioregionalism and biocultural governance.

Bioregionalism is a Western philosophy that sees human societies and culture as part of nature, and proposes that modern human societies can be more sustainable, successful and meaningful, if our political, cultural and economic systems are organised within natural boundaries such as bioregions and catchments (watersheds). Some have referred to bioregionalism as 'localisation within the foundations of nature'.

'Exploring Bioregionalism' is part of AELA's Greenprints program, and features guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and bioregions, sharing research, insights and stories from around Australia and around the world. Our goal is to show how bioregionalism offers exciting pathways to create Earth-centred systems change. 

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

DR MARY GRAHAM

Dr Mary Graham is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Queensland. Mary grew up in South-East Queensland, and is a Kombu-merri person of the Yugambeh language speaking People, through her father’s heritage and a Wakka Wakka clan member through her mother’s heritage. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Mary has worked across several government agencies, community organisations and universities. Mary is a lecturer with the University of Queensland, teaching Aboriginal history, politics and comparative philosophy. Mary has written and published many prominent works, including publications in the Aboriginal Encyclopaedia, training modules for Cross Cultural Awareness and a host of academic papers. Mary is a Director of a number of civil society organisations, including Future Dreaming Australia, an organisation created by Indigenous and non-indigenous leaders to promote cross cultural sharing of governance and ecological knowledge in Australia. (www.futuredreaming.org.au)

DR MICHELLE MALONEY 

Dr Michelle Maloney is an Earth lawyer and advocate for ecocentric and nature based governance. She is recognised internationally and in Australia for her work advocating for Earth centred law and governance, including First Laws and the Rights of Nature. Michelle is Co-Founder and Director of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), and Co-Founder and Director of Future Dreaming, an Indigenous led organisation that works to share Indigenous ecological and governance knowledge with non-Indigenous people and organisations in Australia. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and History) and Laws (Honours) from the Australian National University and a PhD in Law from Griffith University. 

ABOUT GREENPRINTS

Greenprints is a framework for nature based thinking and action. It has been designed by AELA, to make it easier for people to think differently, locate ourselves within our bioregions and ecosystems, understand the options we have to minimise impact and increase nature positive actions - and redesign our relationships with nature. Greenprints draws on bioregionalism and 'bioregioning' as key concepts for rethinking our personal, organisational and community wide governance systems.

Visit our website - www.greenprints.org.au

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN EARTH LAWS ALLIANCE (AELA)

AELA is a not-for-profit organisation working to increase the understanding and practical implementation of Earth-centred (ecocentric) governance, with a focus on systems change across law, economics, education, ethics and community participation in Australia. AELA's vision is an Australian society that embraces an ecocentric or ‘life-centred’ culture, with governance systems that enable human communities to thrive within ecological boundaries, while nurturing biodiversity and ecosystem health. AELA's work includes education programs and project support for people, communities and organisations working to create ecocentric systems change.

For more information, visit our website: www.earthlaws.org.au
or email us anytime: aela@earthlaws.org.au