Addressing systems of oppression with Ancient Wisdom and Indigenous Practices — for Coaches & Trainers (Repeat session, LCN Australia Community of Practice 2026)

“Curriculum didn’t arrive on a boat, pedagogy didn’t arrive on a boat—it was always here.” (Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney, 2015).

Many of us have been exposed to colonial Western learning systems, methods, structures, and pedagogies that are often seen as the ‘neutral’ or ‘default’ way to create and hold space for learning. But these containers are built on cultural assumptions about knowledge, identity, and practice that are not universally shared. As coaches and trainers, we have a responsibility to design and deliver curriculum and pedagogy that connects with everyone who comes to learn, not just those accustomed to the dominant model. For these experiences to be deeply meaningful and relevant, we must first recognize that communities around the world have shared knowledge in diverse ways since time immemorialーand critically review and adapt our ways of knowing, being, and doing through the lens of ancient wisdom and Indigenous practices.

As we continue to equip leaders to embody our definition of leadership, we must weave Indigenous practices into our curriculum and pedagogy in ways that are rooted in the traditions, heritages, and cultures at the heart of our communities. These actions inherently push back against colonial systems of oppression that continue to breed division and destruction.

📅 Tuesday, June 23rd 2026 @ 9:00 – 11:00 am AWST (for Western Australia) / 10:30 am – 12:30 pm ACST (for Northern Territory and South Australia) / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm AEST (for Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania)

Cost to attend is free for LCN members and 20USD for non-LCN members. If you are a member, please log-in to access the free tickets. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to become a Leading Change member today to access free events, exclusive resources, discounted workshop rates, and an inspiring community of practitioners. We’re committed to making our spaces accessible—please reach out to request scholarship tickets.

*This is a repeat of Session #3 from the 2025 Justice in Practice series—designed for organizing and narrative coaches and trainers in the LCN community who want to deepen their capacity in justice and liberation work—held as part of LCN Australia’s Community of Practice 2026. We’re deeply grateful to Katrina Johnson for offering this session again.