Human Rights Practice Leads Collaboration with Anthropology Faculty on Indigenous Education and Leadership in Africa

At the 84^th annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology in Santa Fe, New Mexico — Mamadou Baro, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, and Mette Brogden, assistant professor of practice in Human Rights Practice and event organizer, both in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences — welcomed traditional leader Jinkurige Chief Kongwura and Rashid Iddrisu, from the World Institute of African Culture and Traditions in Ghana. 

The visit aimed to explore vital discussions surrounding Indigenous education and leadership within the contemporary African landscape. During an international panel discussion at the annual meeting, the team engaged in a comprehensive exploration of the process of overcoming the enduring impacts of colonialism. 

“The Ghanaians met Native Americans from Tesuque Pueblo and Ogalala Lakota tribe performing traditional dances/drumming/singing in Santa Fe Plaza, and then attended Pascua Yaqui traditional dances in Tucson," said Brogden. "They were amazed and interested to see the similarities in traditional drumming and dancing among indigenous people in the U.S. and their Gonja dancing/drumming celebrations in rural northern Ghana.”

Following the meetings, the Ghanaian leaders spent time in Tucson and Marana, where they shared their insights with students, faculty, and community members about settlement and integration challenges, food production, language preservation, and climate change. 

"The panel yielded tangible recommendations for fostering social inclusivity and active participation in shaping the future of Africa,” said Baro. “Conversations revolved around potential avenues for future collaboration between traditional leaders in Ghana and the University of Arizona, highlighting the importance of nurturing meaningful partnerships to advance shared goals in education and community development.”

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