Colonial Legacies and Intersectional Justice: A Comparative Analysis of Palestinian and Indigenous Activism

Thursday, 10 July 2025: 13:00
Location: SJES006 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
Oral Presentation
Natalia MAYSTOROVICH CHULIO, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Shima SHAHBAZI, Western Sydney University, Australia
Lindsay MCCABE, Western Sydney University, Australia
Ehsan GOLAHMAR, Sydney University, Australia
This presentation examines the intersectional dynamics of Palestinian movements and their connections to broader global struggles for racial, economic, and gender justice. It also highlights solidarity between Indigenous communities, specifically focusing on the ties between First Nations youth in Australia and Palestinians. Both groups contend with historical and ongoing colonial practices that undermine their cultural identities and access to land, which is essential for community survival. By analysing contemporary activism—such as the BDS movement and local initiatives like the Blak Caucus—this presentation underscores the critical role of youth in advocating for justice and recognition. Drawing on foundational colonial studies texts, including works by Wolfe, Watson, and Tauri & Porou, it situates these movements within a broader framework of resistance against settler-colonialism, illustrating how local struggles contribute to and enrich global justice efforts. This comparative analysis emphasises the shared experiences of Indigenous communities and the potential for cross-cultural solidarity, underscoring the importance of an intersectional approach in understanding liberation struggles worldwide.