DEA is working to build relationships of genuine solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and exploring how we can further support First Nations self-determination and justice. In keeping with this commitment, the First Nations Solidarity Working Group will be hosting an online journal club for DEA members to further their learning relating to ‘decolonising solidarity’, climate justice, and anti-colonial theory/practices. We hope that it will provide a space for learning and reflection that will motivate us to centre justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our work and that of the broader climate movement.

The sessions will take the form of a series of interactive “journal” clubs. Participants who register will be sent some material to read/listen to before coming together in the session to critically reflect on the text and consider how it relates to our work within DEA. We will also provide an update on the work that the First Nations Solidarity working group is doing to build stronger relationships of solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

No prior knowledge is required - just a willingness to further your own learning in this area and engage openly with the material!

The material for this session will be an episode from ABC’s Speaking Out podcast series - ‘Health Justice’: What Does It Look Like For First Nations People (alternative link to Apple Podcasts).

In this 1 hour podcast, an amazing panel of speakers explore what justice for First Nations people entails, how systemic racism continues to be a major factor preventing many First Nations people from seeking medical assistance, and what can be done to address these systemic issues. In our session, we will have an open discussion to invite reflections on the content, while considering what 'health justice' means to us, as both doctors and advocates, and how this relates to our work within DEA and beyond.

Participants will also be sent a copy of the Climate Action Network Alliance (CANA) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander solidarity commitments, to which DEA is a signatory. We strongly encourage you to read this prior to the session (if you haven’t already) to provide further context to the discussion.

This is an event for DEA members only.

Doctors for the Environment Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to First Nations Elders past and present, and to emerging leaders.