Definitions and uses of the term “decolonisation”—A brief overview of key literature

“In the end, decolonization simply means having faith that we can still be brave enough to change an imposed reality”—Moana Jackson (2018, p. 2) 

This paper explores the origins of the term “decolonisation” and its various definitions within the literature. It also gives some examples of contemporary usage. In this paper we privilege the work of Māori and Indigenous writers who have paved the way for the ongoing work of decolonising education in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

We hope that researchers who are on similar journeys to understand their relationship to, and role in, decolonising education find this short paper a useful introduction to what is a much larger, ongoing kōrero.