Department of Sociology & Social Policy Seminar Series 2022

HDR Showcase

Zoom link: Email Leah Williams Veazey leah.williamsveazey@sydney.edu.au

The dimensions of environmental (in)justice defined through First Nations’ resistance to the McArthur River Mine – Caitlin Ruth Morton

Caitlin Ruth Morton’s research highlights the work of First Nations activists pursuing justice for Country, and explores the discourses deployed in these pursuits to develop better understandings of Indigenous environmental justice in the ‘Australian’ context. In this seminar, Caitlin will draw on a case study of the opposition to the McArthur River Mine near Borroloola. First Nations activists have argued that the mine and its well-documented environmental harms represent a continuation of colonial violence premised on the mechanisms by which the settler state draws false legitimacy, and manifesting in harm to people, culture, and the suppression of Indigenous law-ways. Simultaneously, Traditional Owners have consistently asserted their responsibilities to Country and future generations, the inseparability of people, place, and culture, and that their rights to continue caring for Country were never obstructed by British invasion.

Identity & Belonging Shifts experienced by Indian Migrants in Sydney – Sanjana Bhardwaj

Sanjana Bhardwaj’s research explores how the increasing population of Indian-born migrants in Sydney is developing and maintaining its identity. Sharing a distinct Indian cultural heritage and identity, alongside internal diversity in terms of attachments to regional heritage, language and religion, the community is also shaped by their localized context in Sydney. This seminar will focus on ‘social memories’ and the narratives of Australian-Indians to explore how the Indian community sustains its cultural identity and belongingness.

Zoom link available by emailing Leah Williams Veazey: leah.williamsveazey@sydney.edu.au