Our November gathering is a global focus upon political dispossession, focusing upon indigenous self-governance models. Within the United States, and settler colonies of the global north, dismantling settler systems is a formidable task. Yet, across South America, numerous countries have overthrown settler political systems and created alternate governance models in their place. In November’s Inqlab, we explore existing models of indigenous political structures from across the globe. Our special guest will be Frank S. the U.S. Partnerships Coordinator of NISGUA, the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala. He will share how indigenous governance systems have changed across Guatemala’s history. An introduction to different modalities of non-settler governance will aid in imagining new systems from the imperial core. As a collective, we will unlearn, uproot, and experiment with decolonial forms of knowledge creation.  

Our Inqlab community lab is a space to understand systems of oppression while building upon modes of liberation; a creative undoing of sorts. Our political unlearning will incorporate experiential modes of embodiment that range from the whimsical to the astute. In the next Inqlab, we explore with play, through my ‘Indigenous Governance Bingo’ game, ‘State vs. Capital Inventory’ thought experiment, and engage in sowing seeds of change through ‘Political Descendants’ activity.  

Lastly, the Inqlab community lab will be followed by an informal gathering to further connections, share laughs, and relax in a community space. Join us for the social hour, stay for the light refreshments, and joys of community.