Refugia: First Nations Poetry as a Practice of Truth-telling About Colonial

This discussion explores the powerful intersection of poetry, land, and Indigenous sovereignty through the work of Dr. Elfie Shiosaki, a Noongar and Yawuru poet and scholar from Western Australia.

Her poetry collection Refugia (2024) reflects on memory, language, and the enduring relationship between people and Country. Drawing on both earthly and cosmic imagery, including references to the James Webb Space Telescope, Shiosaki reimagines the impact of colonization and the ongoing struggle for justice, survival, and belonging.

The conversation will also touch on the vital role of Indigenous languages as expressions of sovereignty and cultural resistance. By preserving and speaking their languages, Indigenous peoples affirm identity, independence, and the right to shape their own futures.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on how poetry becomes a bridge between past and future, connecting stories of land, stars, and resilience.