The Dogon are Talking Conference
African Sovereignty: In Search of Authentic Foundations
An international virtual gathering exploring leadership, sovereignty, culture, and the role of Indigenous systems of knowledge in shaping the future.
This conference is presented by Kebtah Community and Rising Firefly Productions.
Date:
August 1, 2026
Time:
11:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Location:
Virtual Event
tickets:
$25 admission, Free for Kebtah Community Members
Language:
Bilingual (English & French)
An Indigenous Forum for the Future
For generations, Indigenous societies have preserved sophisticated systems of knowledge that guided governance, education, health, and community life.
The Dogon Are Talking Conference brings together Indigenous wisdom keepers, cultural educators, and researchers to explore how these living traditions can contribute to today's conversations on leadership, sovereignty, and societal transformation.
This conference is an invitation to engage with one of the world's oldest continuous knowledge traditions and consider its relevance for the future.
Conference Theme
African Sovereignty: In Search of Authentic Foundations
Political independence alone does not define sovereignty.
This conference explores what authentic sovereignty requires by examining Indigenous systems of knowledge, leadership, governance, cultural continuity, and the foundations upon which societies are built.
Through keynote presentations and moderated discussion, participants will engage with perspectives emerging from the Dogon tradition and broader African experiences—inviting deeper reflection on some of today's most pressing global questions.
KEY DISCUSSIONS
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Exploring sovereignty beyond political independence and examining the cultural, intellectual, and natural foundations of sovereignty on the continent.
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Examining the long-term effects of imposed systems of thought and cultural displacement and their modern continuation and impact.
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Considering whether imported political systems can adequately reflect Africa's diverse histories, values, and Indigenous approaches to governance.
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Exploring the historical, cultural, and political forces shaping a new generation of leadership and aspirations for sovereignty across the region.
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Reflecting on the traditions, institutions, and inherited systems that may either strengthen or hinder Africa's future development.
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Investigating how the erosion of cultural foundations influences leadership, social cohesion, and the ability of communities to navigate change.
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Indigenous systems of knowledge and cultural transmission.
Keynote Speaker:
iritah shenmira naba (neb)
Indigenous Cultural Educator, Author, Indigenous Leadership
Neb Naba Iritah Shenmira is a commissioned emissary for the elders, ancestors, and indigenous communities — following in his father’s footsteps as part of a lineage of high priests.
He serves as Director of Education at Kebtah and holds a leadership role at Ankhkasta Natural Healing, a collective of indigenous healers. A world-renowned diviner utilizing the M’TAM system of divination, published author, and international speaker, his defining gift is the ability to unify worlds — bridging the invisible and the visible, ancestors and the living, the marginalized and the powerful, the ancient and the now.
With deep initiation in indigenous governing frameworks, he practices leadership that integrates ancestral wisdom with contemporary organizational structures. He carries explicit authority from his Dogon lineage and has been granted permission by the King of the Gulmu Kingdom to represent and protect these traditions.
“The future cannot be built by abandoning our foundations, but by understanding the knowledge systems that allowed civilizations to endure.”
- IRITAH SHENMIRA NABA (NEB)
Our speakers:
Dr. Upiomoh (Imayah Repiyah)
MODERATOR
Host, DUMOH Live with Dr Upiomoh - Indigenous Civilizational Educator, Heritage-Driven Leadership Strategist, and Charming Storyteller for Human Continuity
Menkashoo Boumaaktem
MODERATOR
Dogon Cultural Educator, Apprentice Healer, and Public Speaker on Indigenous Knowledge and Human Development
kasabez maakmaah
panelist
Educator, Journalist and Documentarian of Dogon Indigenous culture
Hatnima shemzura
panelist
Dogon Initiate and Cultural Activist
Zefihapi dematepia
panelist
Indigenous Cultural Advocate and Revivalist of Ancestral Knowledge Systems
A COLLABORATION WITH:
KEBTAH COMMUNITY
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RISING FIREFLY
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KEBTAH COMMUNITY 〰️ RISING FIREFLY 〰️
KEBTAH CANADA
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KEBTAH NEW YORK
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KEBTAH CHICAGO
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KEBTAH CANADA 〰️ KEBTAH NEW YORK 〰️ KEBTAH CHICAGO 〰️
hosted by: Kebtah canada
Join us
Whether you are a student, educator, researcher, policymaker, community leader, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, this conference offers an opportunity to engage with ideas that challenge conventional narratives and inspire new ways of thinking.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Gain insight into Indigenous perspectives on leadership, governance, and sovereignty.
Explore contemporary conversations surrounding Africa's cultural and political future.
Learn directly from respected wisdom keepers, educators, and cultural practitioners.
Engage with thought-provoking discussions that bridge ancient knowledge and modern challenges.
Connect with an international community committed to meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange.
Rooted in Living Traditions.
Engaged with the Future.
Kebtah Community is an international Indigenous learning community dedicated to preserving, practicing, and transmitting these living systems of knowledge through cultural education, research, healing traditions, and community dialogue. By creating spaces for meaningful exchange, Kebtah seeks to reconnect people with enduring wisdom while contributing thoughtful perspectives to contemporary global conversations.