Brought to you by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Social Work, this episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, host Christian Ace Stettler sits down with Ukumbwa Sauti, M.Ed., an educator, consultant, and facilitator specializing in anti-racism, anti-colonialism, cultural revitalization, and systemic oppression.Together, they explore the emotional and political complexities of current global events, including Palestine, and discuss the role of Indigenous knowledge in resisting oppression. Ukumbwa challenges colonial narratives, examines the failures and limitations of DEI initiatives, and emphasizes the power of community, talking circles, and ancestral wisdom in fostering real transformation.

📍 Key Topics:The emotional weight of current events & systemic oppressionPalestine, global struggles, and colonial legaciesThe role of Indigenous wisdom in modern social justice movementsHow colonialism attempted to erase Indigenous cultures—and failedWhy talking circles create deeper understanding than traditional education modelsThe need for real action beyond performative DEI initiativesNavigating political rhetoric, historical accountability, and polarization

About the Guest: Ukumbwa Sauti, M.Ed.Ukumbwa Sauti is a Consultant, Facilitator, Educator, and Program Developer with expertise in Anti-Racism, Anti-Patriarchy, Men’s Work, Consent, and Culture. He has worked with religious organizations, cultural groups, and regional institutions and has taught in higher education for 16 years, focusing on Race, Gender, Environmental Issues, Media, and Culture.Ukumbwa is also an initiated Elder in the Dagara tradition from West Africa, bringing ancestral wisdom and Indigenous perspectives into his work. His teachings challenge oppressive systems while offering transformative solutions rooted in cultural knowledge.
Chapters:00:00 Intro Theme Song00:32 Introduction and Background of Ukumbwa Sauti05:41 Frustration and Grief in Current Events10:25 Navigating Conversations on Israel and Palestine15:46 Political Perspectives and the Role of Parties20:26 Connecting Local Struggles to Global Movements25:17 The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge and Connection30:29 Anti-Colonialism and the Fight Against Oppression38:59 Colonialism and Its Impact on Indigenous Wisdom45:09 Cultural Revitalization and Indigenous Knowledge52:30 The Struggle for Community and Connection58:16 Understanding Racism and Its Historical Context01:06:02 Navigating Anti-Racism and Personal Responsibility01:18:03 The Reality of Racism and Personal Experiences01:21:43 Navigating Polarization and Dialogue01:26:59 The Importance of Talking Circles01:35:37 Understanding DEI and Its Challenges

#Decolonization #AntiRacism #IndigenousKnowledge #Palestine #SocialJustice #TalkingCircles #DEI #SystemicOppression #CulturalRevitalization #CommunityEngagement #UkumbwaSauti #ChristianAceStettler #UAF #UAFSocialWork© UAF Social Work