Decolonial Conversations
Reimagining Pasts, Presents, and Futures in International Contexts
Decolonial Conversations is a conference accompanied by creative projects that will take place at the forks of the Deshkan Ziibi on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron March 14-16, 2025.
This conference aims to host conversations that examine decolonial thought and practices in their historical and contemporary contexts.
As we move towards greater recognition of the complexity of salient questions in universities and wider public contexts with a renewed sense of urgency regarding decolonial initiatives and strategies, as organizers of Decolonial Conversations, we believe it is imperative to ask what role cultural sites such as literature, film, and visual cultures perform in unpacking colonial power structures and reimagining futures in international contexts.
The conference includes panels on transnational Intimacies; historical and contemporary partitions; the politics of dress, bodies, and activism; racialized histories in national and international contexts; Canadian and global indigenous networks, and global theatre and performance.
News and Updates
Decolonial Conversations: Reimagining Pasts, Presents, and Futures in International Contexts, and its Activations, is presented by Western University in partnership with Museum London. The entire program is generously supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Western, and Museum London.
To extend community learning around themes featured throughout Decolonial Conversations: Reimagining Pasts, Presents, and Futures in International Contexts, Museum London is offering an array of concurrent, free, and family-friendly activities to expand our understandings of identity, language, place, and belonging. Programming will include drop-in tours of the museum, a brief screening introduction with artist Jessica Karuhanga, an Anishinaabe Language Lesson for children, and a hair braiding workshop. Visit Museum London’s website to learn more.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following Offices, Faculties, Programs, and Research Groups at Western University:
Office of the Vice-President, Research
Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Initiatives
Office of the Vice Provost, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Office of the Dean
Faculty of Education, Office of the Associate Dean (Research)
School for Advanced Studies in Arts & Humanities
Post-Colonial Research Group, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Conference Organizers
The organizing team for Decolonial Conversations is grateful for the generous contributions by the program's funders; its presenting institutions and their staff members; program creators, speakers and other presenters; designers and technical producers; volunteers; and community participants. The spirit of cooperation that has pervaded the development of this project is its lifeblood.
Conference Leads:
Nandi Bhatia
Candace Brunette-Debassige
Henri Boyi
Patrick Mahon
Conference Coordinator:
Cindy Smithers Graeme
Conference Interns:
Ellie Marie Smith
Kiran Ajani Halkitis
Merdeka Miles
Shyantae Henry
Banner Image Credits:
Left to Right: Column 1:Table runner from Burkina Faso, Patrick Mahon (photographer). Small traditional woven basket (Inkoko) from Burundi, Henri Boyi (photographer). Embroidered tapestry, Nandi Bhatia (artist and photographer). Column 2: Scarf with hand-stitch and dye from India, Patrick Mahon (photographer). Traditional African woven open platters, Henri Boyi (photographer). Tufted beadwork, Lauren Poeta (pogadakamagizowin) (artist and photographer). Column 3: Ash basket weaving, Douglas Tulett (photographer), courtesy of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Western University. Embroidered tapestry, Nandi Bhatia (artist and photographer). Tufted beadwork, Lauren Poeta (pogadakamagizowin)(artist and photographer). Column 4: Basket (Agaseke) from Rwanda, Henri Boyi (photographer). Embroidered tapestry, Nandi Bhatia (artist and photographer). Fabric from Burundi, Henri Boyi (photographer).