Virtual Discussion
Unmonumenting, Science and Strategy
Shaping the Past
Part of a three event series, Yaangna, Beyond LA. Indigenous Frameworks, presented within the context of the project Shaping the Past.
How can Indigenous frameworks and methodologies help cities and counties change policy to address the lack of visibility of Native/Indigenous Peoples? Focusing on three Los Angeles locations significant to Native/Indigenous peoples, this series of events brings together artists, Elders, Tribal Members, scholars, and activists into dialogue about authentic narratives, strategies for policy change, the future of public/civic art, civic memory, and memory culture: “What must we not forget?”
This discussion invites guests to hear about the various ways activists and individuals have successfully toppled or removed monuments from their cities. Participants directly involved in these activities will share their experiences regarding strategies, planning, and post-removal efforts.
Guests:
Morning Star Gali is a member of the Ajumawi band of Pit River located in Northeastern California, and a Leading Edge Fellow focusing on the disproportionate impact of the criminal and juvenile justice systems on Native Americans. She continues to lead large-scale actions while helping organize Native cultural, spiritual, scholarly, and political gatherings throughout California.
Dr. Urte Evert is Head of Museum Zitadelle, which since April 2016, shows the permanent exhibition“Unveiled. Berlin and its Monuments” in the Citadel former Provisions Depot. This cultural-historical exhibition shows political monuments which were once part of Berlin’s urban landscape but have been removed.
Speaker-Moderator:
Joel Garcia (Huichol) is an artist, arts administrator and cultural organizer with over 20 years of experience working transnationally focusing on community-centered strategies. His approach is rooted in Indigenous-based forms of dialoguing and non-hierarchical decision-making that uplifts non-institutional expertise. Joel uses art and organizing to raise awareness of issues facing underserved communities, inner-city youth, and other targeted populations.
Shaping the Past is a partnership of the Goethe-Institut, Monument Lab, and the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education).
The project connects to the activist and artistic work of local, national, and transnational movements as a reflection of memory culture and discusses new perspectives on forms of memory.