This project aims to uncover indigenous peace practices in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands through collaborative and transdisciplinary research involving elders, practitioners, and peace histories. By focusing on community-oriented Melanesian cultures, the research will address the often overlooked group dynamics, masculinity norms, and cultural factors that drive conflict and violence. The findings will contribute to academic knowledge through published papers and inform the development of an undergraduate peacebuilding course, fostering a new generation of peacebuilders and enhancing violence prevention and peacebuilding efforts in the sub-region.
Indigenous Pathways to Peace is funded by the ANU Gender Institute and conducted in collaboration with Solomon Islands National University and Divine Word University.
Call to Action:
- Originated with discussions about the utility of peacebuilding as a frame for discussing gender and violence and need for indigenous curriculum & writing of our indigenous peace histories
- Particular directions from women and men elders in Bougainville and Solomon Islands with peacebuilding experience.