Decolonising Implementation: Rethinking How Change Happens

The Lowitja Learning Summit continued in September, with Donald Warne MD, MPH delivering their ‘Decolonising Implementation: Rethinking How Change Happens’ webinar.

Implementation science (IS) has the potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice, therefore improving health and wellbeing for communities. However, IS is grounded in Western thinking and understanding of the world. Indigenous Knowledges, Practices and Cultural Authority has been overlooked.

This webinar explored what it means to re-imagine and re-interpret implementation science by centring Indigenous knowledges, practices and leadership, resulting in self-determination, and community priorities seen throughout the implementation process.

Drawing on Donald Warne’s experience in Indigenous health and implementation, participants examined how culturally grounded, relationship-based approaches can strengthen implementation efforts and lead to more equitable, sustainable outcomes.

The webinar reflected on shared lessons across Indigenous contexts, including the United States and Australia, and considered practical strategies for embedding Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, and strengths into implementation planning, partnerships, evaluation, policy and systems change.